All the Truths (Lies & Truths 2)

“We’re in this together.”

My brows furrow. “Why would you want to help me?”

He reaches me in two seconds and wraps a hand around my neck. “Because I own you, my ugly monster.”

We stay the night in my apartment after Asher refused my millionth attempt to make him leave. He even called Izzy, informing her I’d be spending the night with friends.

Friends. Psh, whatever.

Asher is probably the last person who could be considered my friend.

I spy on him as he washes the dishes in the kitchen—without using the dishwasher. Then he places the leftover mac and cheese in a casserole and puts that in the refrigerator.

Seriously, why does he keep doing things like that for me? It only makes me feel more apprehensive.

I retreat to where I woke up and close the door. It’s so similar to my room in Alex’s house, only this one’s closet is filled with leather skirts and pants, the latest fashionable bags and shoes.

With a sigh, I lie on the bed and stare at the ceiling. My phone and bag sit on the nightstand. Asher must’ve brought them in when he carried me up here.

I unlock Instagram then type.

Reina-Ellis: Are you there?

His reply is immediate.

Cloud003: For you, always.

A smile tugs on my lips. I need a friend so bad right now, and I don’t want to bother Naomi or Lucy with a long story this late.

Sure, I could’ve called Jace, but this anonymity gives me a lot of courage.

Reina-Ellis: I stood on the edge of a roof today and threatened to kill myself. I didn’t mean to, you know. I only wanted to bargain for something else, but as I stood there, a pull kept tugging me.

Cloud003: Did you give in to it?

This is what I like about him. He doesn’t judge me when I talk about this type of stuff.

Reina-Ellis: No, or I wouldn’t be talking to you right now *tongue out emoji*

My attempt at humor falls flat.

Cloud003: But you thought about it.

Reina-Ellis: I did, but at the same time, I didn’t.

Cloud003: How so?

Reina-Ellis: I can’t explain it. There was someone else with me, and as I stood there, I felt a strange type of freedom and told him things I’ve been keeping a secret for nine years, things no one else knows, things I don’t think I would’ve ever said if I weren’t standing at the edge. There’s something so liberating about having nothing left to lose.

He takes a few seconds to reply.

Cloud003: And what was his reaction?

I bite my lower lip. I don’t want to tell him about Asher or about my double identity, but at the same time, I want to continue talking to him.

He brings me calm.

Reina-Ellis: He didn’t like it.