Twin Deception(23)

“I think we should save conversations like this for at home,” Connor told Luke in a flat tone. It betrayed little of his hurt or anger but Sadi could tell it was there all the same.

“And what purpose would that serve? I think we should just get everything out in the open. Right here, right now.”

Connor shook his head. “Are you insane? You don’t have to insult someone just because you don’t even know them. Maybe I lived a different life before that bombing but I don’t remember it. Christine is my life now and she has been for months and months. We were happy together before that car accident. Before you found me and changed everything.”

Sadi could see the rage on Luke’s face. “What? Before I changed everything? You think you would be grateful to have some of your old life back. You think you would be grateful not to have to go to some poor school and work as a janitor.”

Connor shook his head. He took Christine’s hand in his. “I was happy working there and I love Christine, no matter what you have to say. I don’t think your opinion counts for much anyway at the moment.”

Connor excused himself, nodding an apology to Sadi. Christine got up and followed him out of the restaurant.

Sadi glanced around. People were staring at them. She looked over at Luke, who was standing, half angry and half stunned.

“Don’t even say anything Sadi,” Luke said as he made to leave. Sadi grabbed her purse.

“Don’t worry Luke, I think you said enough,” Sadi hissed.

She walked out of the restaurant as well, back to their SUV in the parking lot. She let Luke drive since she was so angry she doubted she would be able to concentrate on the road.

The sitter was surprised to see them back so early. Sadi paid Mary Ann the full amount for her trouble. While Luke went to his study and locked himself in, Sadi checked in on her kids to make sure they were both sleeping soundly, which they were.

Sadi was filled with love for both of them. God, what had come over Luke? He had been a totally different man since Connor had been found and come to live with them. It was like he wasn’t even the same person anymore. He was stressed out, unaffectionate, moody… that outburst in the restaurant… Sadi didn’t even know where that had come from.

Sadi heard the front door open. She left the nursery and was surprised when she saw Connor come back into the house. She had wondered if he was ever going to come back after what had happened at the restaurant.

Sadi left the nursery and met Connor in the entrance. “Connor,” Sadi said. “I’m so sorry for what happened…”

Connor held up a hand. “It’s okay. It wasn’t your fault.” He sat down heavily on the hallway bench. “I just feel like… if I could just remember everything… somehow this would be alright.”

Sadi nodded. “I know it’s frustrating. Luke is having a hard time dealing with everything but I can’t believe he acted like he did.”

Connor remained silent. Sadi looked at his defeated posture. She felt his genuine distress and sorrow. Suddenly she had an idea. “Connor! Luke has all the photo albums from when you were growing up and there’s pictures on his computer from when you were older. Maybe you should look through them. Maybe it would help you remember something.”

“That’s a great idea!”

Connor followed Sadi into the family room. She got out the photo albums and brought them, spreading them across the coffee table.

“Look at these tonight if you want. It may be best that you don’t try and talk to Luke until the morning. I’ll let him know you’re here and I’ll make sure he goes right to bed.”

“Thanks again Sadi… for everything.”

Sadi excused herself. She collected Luke from his study and forced him to follow her back to the bedroom. She could tell he was torn between having it out with Connor and apologizing, but she insisted he wait until morning when he could think rationally, which of course she meant to formulate a rational apology.

Sadi laid beside Luke, long after he had fallen asleep. They had made love for the first time since Connor had come to stay at their house. Luke was wild, possessive, and dominant in a way he had never been before. It had scared Sadi slightly, the way he touched her as if he were going to lose her. She thought about Connor looking at those photo albums. That picture he had of her in his wallet. That same feeling of unease crept up. God, she needed everything to go back to normal. She needed her husband back as much as he needed to get the brother back he had lost.





Chapter 9


Sadi was awakened by the sound of the bedroom door creaking open. She sat bolt upright in bed, alarmed that there was someone in their room. The shadowy form turned on the light and Sadi was surprised to see Connor standing in the doorway. She was about to say something when Connor came forward, lunging at Luke who was fast asleep beside Sadi.