Page 32 of Wicked Truths
“Seriously? You’d think he’d mention it to his favorite stepdaughter.” Milly chuckles, but I can hear the disappointment in her voice.
I glance toward Poppy, now sprawled on the couch in the living room, animatedly chatting with her aunt about Juilliard. It’s surreal how she’s completely oblivious to the storm brewing in my life.
“I can’t come with you,” I say suddenly, recalling my earlier lie. “I have a dance class on Sunday.”
Milly bursts into laughter. “You have two left feet! You can’t even stand on a surfboard without wiping out!”
“Hey!” I protest, feeling a flicker of indignation. “I’m a good surfer! Just because I’ve fallen off a few times—”
“A few?” Milly snickers.
“Okay, maybe more than a few.” I laugh with her.
Milly’s tone shifts as she adds, “So how about coming out with me tomorrow night? I’m meeting a few university friends. Bring Poppy. We’re meeting at a bar in Broadbeach. The Kost Bar and Grill. We’re having dinner there too.”
“Yes! Absolutely,” I reply, eager to escape this house and its chaos—even if just for a night. “I need to get out and forget my troubles for a bit.”
“Great! See you at seven, tomorrow night.” I’m already looking forward to it. The idea of spending time at home feels suffocating with Dom and Helena at each other’s throats.
She hangs up, and as I lower my phone, I catch Caleb’s eyes from across the room. His book is on the side table and he’s leaning on his side.
“What was that about?” he asks casually.
“Milly wants me to join her at a bar in Broadbeach tomorrow.”
His brows lift slightly. “A wild night out?”
I smirk back at him but feel something tighten in my chest. “Maybe not wild... but definitely needed.”
Caleb tilts his head slightly; his gaze lingers on me longer than necessary. I shift under his scrutiny.
“You should have some fun,” he says softly before turning away and grabbing his book again.
My heart sinks into my stomach at how nonchalant he is about it.
“Yeah,” I murmur to myself, wondering if ‘fun’ could really chase away the darkness looming just outside this perfect façade of life.
I glance into the living room where Poppy is giggling as she talks on the phone, then I stride to Caleb.
I lean down to him and press a kiss on his lips.
“Amara—”
I pull away from Caleb, my heart racing but my mind spinning with frustration.
“Why do you only want me when Poppy isn’t around?” I snap, feeling a wave of dejection wash over me. The thrill of the kiss fades into bitterness. “It’s like I’m just your dirty secret.”
His brows furrow, and he runs a hand through his hair. “That’s not fair, Amara. You know I want you.”
“Words aren’t enough!” I fire back, anger bubbling up like hot lava. It stings to feel used, like I’m a fleeting distraction he uses when it suits him.
Caleb sits up on the lounge bed, and before I can catch my breath, he drags me onto the bed. His lips crash againstmine again, igniting a familiar spark that blazes through me.
Every nerve ending pops to life, but the feeling of being toyed with still lingers.
Poppy’s voice breaks through the moment as she finishes her call. “Bye Aunt Kate! Love you!”
Caleb suddenly pulls back, his expression shifting from passion to panic.
