Page 34 of Wicked Truths
The tension crackles between us like electricity, but then Poppy steps outside. Her laughter rings through the air and Caleb’s hand drops from my arm as if I’ve burned him. The warmth vanishes instantly, leaving only an aching dull space in its wake.
I turn away from him and climb into my car, trying to shake off the weight of our moment together.
Poppy pops her head in the passenger side. “Are you driving tomorrow?”
“I’ll drive you both,” Caleb says as I start the engine.
I should turn him down, but I can’t. I want him so badly I hurt inside. Even these stolen moments are enough for now.
And I hate I can't just walk away.
“Thanks, Dad,” Poppy says, slamming my car door.
I slowly pull away, staring at Caleb in the rearview mirror.
As I drive home, doubt creeps in. Why is Caleb insisting on me giving him a show on the website, when we could have had that moment in his home?
Is Caleb SweetJustice? Or is he working for his brother to bring Dom down? The thought gnaws at me.
Caleb’s desperation echoes in my mind: “I’ll do anything to make you mine.” Does that include bringing Dominic de Luca to his knees?
There’s only one way to find out.
I have to set him up. I’ll give him a show, but if that video comes back to haunt me, I’ll know Caleb is trying to take Dom down…and me, it seems.
And tonight it begins.
When I pull into the garage, I send Caleb a message.I’m home. Give me half an hour to freshen up.
The elevator hums softly as it glides up from the underground garage, the noise amplifying my anxiety.
Caleb is still on my mind, the thought he could be my blackmailer only adding to myangst.
When the doors slide open, I step out. There are raised voices drifting down the hall. As usual, it’s Dom and Mom.
“You were supposed to be gone today,” Dom’s voice rumbles, low and gravelly.
I freeze just outside the door, curiosity pulling me closer even though dread coils in my stomach.
“I’m not leaving without telling Amara and Milly we’re being thrown out,” Mom snaps back, her voice sharp with frustration.
My heart races. I peek around the corner, glimpsing them.
Dom stands there, tall and imposing. He yanks Mom’s arm back, forcing her to face him. His grip is firm but not brutal—definitely a warning.
“Listen to me,” he says through gritted teeth. “The girls can stay until they finish university.”
Mom jerks away from his grasp, her eyes blazing with anger. “You think that gives you the right to decide what happens to us? You’re a piece of shit, Dominic.”
“I know.”
“Amara is coming with me,” Mom insists again, crossing her arms defiantly as she meets his piercing blue gaze.
My pulse quickens at the mention of my name; all this turmoil swirls around me like smoke in the air.
Dom shifts slightly but keeps his gaze steady on Mom. “She’s staying.”
“Over my dead body.”
