Page 137

Story: The Inquisitor

She didn’t even say hello when we passed each other outside the apothecary, so why was she acting so friendly now?

“We love meeting new friends. I didn’t know Forrest had a beautiful cousin.” Audri gave her a menu.

Was that a blush on Yolanda’s face?

“That bracelet you’re wearing is gorgeous.” Vivian gestured to the gold accessory with emerald gemstones.

She lifted her arm, and the bracelet glistened in the light. “Forrest got this for me when I turned twenty-one. He’s very thoughtful and sweet.”

I didn’t like the energy coming from Yolanda. I sensed the venom underneath the pretty cloak she was wearing.

Yolanda pulled out her cell phone, showing me a picture. “Did he tell you he had a crush on me when we were little?”

From the corner of my eye, Audri and Vivian exchanged awkward glances.

“But you’re his cousin,” Audri said, studying her.

“That’s just wrong.” Vivian eyed Yolanda like she was ready to kick her in the head. Though the image soothed my anger, jealousy and a bunch of other uncomfortable emotions clawed at me. I appreciated my friends’ protectiveness.

Forrest hadn’t mentioned much about Yolanda to me. Did he have a crush on her before? Did he still have feelings for her? Was that why he hardly talked about her?

“You didn’t know? We’re not blood related. His grandma took me in when my parents died. I didn’t have any family around.”

Forrest only told me she was his cousin, but not the other details. Jealousy grew like thorns stabbing at my heart.

Yolanda tapped her phone. “Want to see pics of us?”

Not really.But I’m pissed right now, so why the hell not?

Why hadn’t Forrest mentioned any of this to me?

I held her phone and noticed she had an album dedicated to Forrest. Images of them smiling and hugging. There was one image of him kissing her on the cheek. He must have been thirteen or fourteen years old in that picture. Though none of these images proved anything, disappointment and betrayal surged in me.

Did he have a relationship with her? Had they . . .

I shook my head clear of that vile image. My heart ached, and I pushed the phone back. “Thanks for sharing.” I didn’t like fakers. If she had an agenda, she should just spill it. It was a waste of time for everyone. “Why are you here, Yolanda? Why are you showing me all this? It doesn’t matter that you grew up with him. He’s my boyfriend now.”

Audri shot a look at Vivian, waiting for her answer.

Yolanda turned to me, and the slow smile that slithered onto her face was like a snake rising, preparing to attack.

“There’s something you should know. Forrest belongs to me.” Yolanda’s haughty tone sent chills down my spine. “I’ve loved him since I was a little girl. He just needs to be reminded of how much he needs me.” She rose from her seat and placed a hand on my shoulder.

Hurry and fucking leave, before I stab you with my fork, bitch.

Our gazes met, and she said, “I’m carrying his baby.”

That statement was like a sledgehammer to my heart.

Then something sharp pricked my back, but the destruction in my heart was too painful. It numbed everything else.

“Get the fuck out of here, bitch!” Audri heaved.

Yolanda sashayed out of the restaurant, tossing something into the trash, and winked at me. A man with curly hair came up to her and smiled. “The car is ready for you, Yvette.”

She was Yvette?

That man . . . He was the man in the gray car following me . . .