The Lies That Define Us (Us 2)

“Okay.” She nodded and turned in her seat to face me fully. “Rules are good.”

“I like things neat,” I told her, holding up a single finger as I began to name off things on my invisible list. “If you move something put it back where you found it, got it?” I waited for her to nod. “You’re free to eat anything you want so don’t worry about asking me, but if you make a mess in the kitchen you need to clean it up.”

She narrowed her blue eyes in thought. “Are you a neat-freak or something?”

“I don’t like messes.” Holding up a third finger, I said, “And lastly, stay out of my way.”

“I can do that.” She nodded resolutely. “Once I get a job and save some money I’ll be out of your hair. Trust me when I say I’m not looking to bum off of you. I really wish I didn’t have to accept your help or anyone’s, but I have to.” Her lower lip trembled; something told me it had less to do with sadness and more to do with fear. Shaking her head, she let out a soft self-deprecating laugh. “I never thought my life would turn out like this. Homeless, with no idea where my life is headed, forced to accept help from strangers and hope for the best.”

I realized then how scared she must have been. She’d just met Ollie and Talia, and suddenly they’d thrust her upon me. I'd wanted to ask her how she ended up in that predicament, but from the guarded look in her eyes I knew she wouldn’t tell me. Besides, it was best that I didn’t get too close to her.

Clearing my throat, I said, “I’ll show you to your room.”

I was trying to remain as cordial as possible to make up for my earlier behavior, but I still wasn’t thrilled about the situation.

She gathered up her small bundle of clothes and hopped out of my Jeep. I led her inside, careful not to touch her when she passed me to step into the house.

“Quick tour,” I muttered, leading her around downstairs. “Kitchen, living room, dining room, bathroom through that door, and that door,” I pointed to the door my darkroom was behind, “is off-limits. Open that door and you’re out of here in two seconds flat.”

So much for trying to make up for earlier.

She looked from the door up to me with wide eyes. “Okay?” It came out sounding like a question.

I rubbed my hands together and my lips twisted into a f

rown. I didn’t bother to explain my reasoning for making the room off-limits.

“All right, this way.” I nodded toward the stairs and jogged up them.

She followed behind, her steps so much lighter than my heavy stomping.

“My room is there.” I pointed to the double doors leading into the master bedroom. “Also off-limits.”

She laughed at that. “It’s cute that you think I’d even want to go into your room.”

I raised my brows and kept my lips sealed despite the urge to chuckle. I liked her sass.

I led her down the hall to the room farthest from mine. Swinging the door open, I waved her inside.

“Your room,” I stated, leaning against the doorframe as she passed me to step inside.

Her arm brushed mine, and she jumped as if she’d been shocked. Her wide blue eyes shot up to mine, and she cleared her throat awkwardly but said nothing about her reaction.

“Thank you. This is more than I could’ve asked for.” She glanced around the room.

I dipped my head at her words. “If you need anything…” I started to say, “come find me,” but quickly changed my mind. “Call Ollie or Talia. They’ll be able to help you.”

Her brow wrinkled in confusion. “So…if I can’t find a towel in your house, I should call your friends?”

I scrubbed my hands down my face. “Ask me. Them. Whatever. I don’t give a fuck.”

With a sharp exhale, I turned and left.

I knew she probably thought I was the biggest asshole on the planet, and she would have been right.

Ari

I stared at the now empty doorway and shook my head.