Page 92 of Omega Tricked

I followed him into the house, wondering what came next. I knew that just because I’d shared a moment with Lex, nothing had changed. He was still determined to find out the name of the person who’d killed his dad. It was heartbreaking because I could tell he knew this wouldn’t end well for any of us, but he was still pushing onward. Driven by some strange sense of duty, to a father he didn’t even seem to care about.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Lex

It was amazing how affected I was by those few moments on the porch with Dylan. For one moment there, he’d looked at me with less hatred and more pity. While I didn’t enjoy his pity, I preferred it to him loathing me.

Regardless of the mounds of food Gabriele had made, Dylan ate nothing. He said his stomach was still upset. Hank did though; he ate enough for all of us. I guess being an asshole really worked up his appetite. He was actually enjoying this situation, while the rest of us just wanted it to end.

I went up to Charles’s room midmorning with a plate of food. He was awake, looking angry, but his color was much better.

“Where’s Dylan?” he demanded, ignoring the food on the nightstand.

“He’s fine. He’s in his room.” I studied him. “Feel like talking yet?”

“Not particularly.”

I shook my head. “You’re being stupid. This could all be over if you’d just talk.”

“We both know you’re not going to let me walk, no matter what. I doubt you’ll let Dylan walk, and I think you actually care about the kid.”

My face warmed. Was it that obvious I had feelings for Dylan? “I haven’t decided what to do with either of you. But both your odds are better if you give me what I want.”

“You always get what you want, Lex? Is that why you’re such a smug asshole?”

I exhaled tiredly. “I have a right to know who killed my father. Whether you like me personally or not isn’t the point. Wouldn’t you want to know this information, if you were me?”

“Probably. I’d go about it differently though.”

“Roses and boxes of candy?” I sneered. “You wouldn’t have told me shit no matter how I approached you. You’ve made that clear already.”

His expression was funny. “I’m not keeping the information from you because I don’t like you.”

“I know. You’re protecting someone.”

“Yes.”

“A murderer.”

He grimaced. “It’s not as simple as that. I can’t say certain things without saying too much.”

I moved closer, glaring. “I’m tired of your riddles. Your stubbornness is going to get you and Dylan killed.”

He laughed humorlessly. “You actually want to pretend that would be my fault?”

I clenched my jaw, anger and frustration rippling through me. “Of course it is. Just tell me the fucking name, and I cantryto save your ass,” I hissed. “Otherwise, we’re going downstairs now to visit with Hank. You remember him, right? The guy with the cattle prod?”

His face twitched, and I knew he was afraid. He’d have been a fool not to be. But he shook his head. “I can’t.”

I rubbed my face and snarled, “Fuck.” I dropped my hands at my side. “Then you leave me no choice.”

He leaned toward me, his gaze imploring. “Please, Lex, let Dylan live.Please. I don’t care what you do to me, but leave him alone.”

The door opened behind me, and Hank stood there with a gloating expression. “Sorry for eavesdropping, but I think I just figured out how to get him to talk, boss.” His smile was ugly. “How about Dylan takes your place today, Charles? You can have a front-row seat to the festivities.”

The color drained from Charles’s face instantly, and he looked like he wanted to murder Hank. I knew exactly how he felt because I had the identical visceral reaction to Hank’s words. The difference was, I had to hide my repulsion.

“That wasn’t the plan,” I said softly, hoping I didn’t look as horrified as I felt.