The realization that Kas has just lied to me hits me, and my stomach sinks.
“Hey, you okay?” He smiles. It’s a gleaming smile, but something about it feels off.
Everything about this moment feels off.
Oh, how quickly things can change. I was happy a moment ago, and now, I’m trying to figure out why the man I’m crazy about is lying to me—over a door, of all things.
“Of course.” I give him a manufactured smile. “See you upstairs in an hour.” I pivot on my toes and walk out of his office with a bounce in my step, so he won’t know anything is off with me.
The second I shut his office door behind me, my smile drops from my face, and that sinking feeling in my stomach comes back full force.
Kas lied to me.
I can’t believe this.
He barefaced lied to me and made it seem like I was losing my marbles, and I want to know why.
I fell for a liar before. It didn’t turn out so well for me.
Fool Daisy once, stupid Daisy. Fool Daisy twice…yeah, not going to happen.
I won’t be so dumb to let that happen again.
So, I’m going to find out exactly what Kas is hiding from me because I won’t be anybody’s fool ever again.
Thirty-Four
Having sex with Kas after knowing that he’d lied to me just wasn’t an option. So, I did a little lying of my own and told him that I’d started my period.
Nothing deters a man from sex quicker than hearing that Aunt Flo has come to visit.
Not ideal, but the guy had just lied to me, and I was pissed off. He took it fine. Didn’t seem suspicious at all. He just kissed me—really sweetly in fact—and then he disappeared back into his office.
I spent a good few minutes eyeballing his office door before I started on with work of my own.
I was so caught up in it all that I didn’t even ring Cece to tell her that Kas and I had actually slept together.
But I think that’s what stung most of all. I had given all of myself to him last night, and I thought he’d given me the same in return.
How wrong was I?
I’d spent the night in his arms, and the very next morning, he looked me straight in the eyes and lied to me.
I could’ve confronted him about the lie, but I knew it would be pointless. He wouldn’t have lied to me and tried to make it like I was losing my marbles if he’d ever planned on telling me the truth.
I just don’t get it. Why lie about the existence of a door—a door that I know was there?
That’s only made me curious, which isn’t necessarily a good thing. Now, I want to know what’s behind that door—or bookcase, as it now is. My curiosity is burning, and I am going to find out.
There might be nothing there, and my search might be fruitless. But he lied about it for a reason, and I want to know that reason.
With frustration and restless energy burning through me, I bend down and tie the laces on my trainers before letting myself out of my apartment. I’m heading out for my early-morning run before work. I need to clear my head, and running is the only way to do it.
I jog down the stairs of my building and let myself out the main door. The cool morning air hits my face, nipping at my cheeks.
Letting the door close behind me, I stand there for a moment. Hands on hips, I tip my head back to face the sky, watching the clouds drift over, as I take some deep breaths of fresh air.
Steady breaths in and out.
See? I’m starting to feel better already.
“Daisy.”
My body freezes at the sound of that voice. I know that voice. I know it well.
And there goes my good feeling.
Heart pounding, I lower my head, and my eyes meet with the one person I never wanted to see again. “Jason.”
He’s standing a few feet away, and I’m glad to say he looks terrible. His eyes are bloodshot, dark rings circling them. His hair looks like it hasn’t been washed or cut since I last saw him, and his clothes are crumpled. He looks a mess.
“What are you doing here?” I’m not surprised at the level of anger in my voice.
“Daisy.” He takes a step forward.
Everything inside me screams to step away, but hatred and pride have my feet firmly set in place.
The breeze blows between us, and I get a strong whiff of alcohol.
“Are you drunk right now?” I scowl.
He lets out a low laugh. It sounds pitiful. Unsurprisingly, I can’t find a shred of sympathy for him.
“If you drink constantly, does that constitute as being drunk, or is it just your normal state?”
“I’m not in the mood for games, Jason. Why the fuck are you here?”
“That’s the first time I’ve ever heard you swear.”
“Yeah, well, prison will change a girl. Now. What. Do. You. Want?” My hands are clenched into fists at my sides.