Page 92 of The Devil's Deceit

“Okay, catch you later.”

She hangs up. “I hate to say I told you so but… Oh, who the hell am I kidding? Ilovetelling you I told you so.”

The two siblings bicker back and forth, and as I listen to their conversation and the clear love they have for one another, my chest hurts. Will Arron and I ever get back to how we used to be before our parents died? Before Uncle Daniel contrived this plan and somehow persuaded us it was not just a good idea, but the only way we’d find out what happened. I’m not sure. Something feels broken in our relationship, and I don’t know how to fix it.

One problem at a time, Grace.

My appetite wanes, but I manage a bowl of fruit and some yoghurt before I return to Christian’s apartment to find a text from Juliet.

Juliet: You free for a chat?

Without making the call, I know Arron’s told her what my intentions are. If he’s asked her to try to persuade me to change my mind, she’s wasting her time. I go into the bathroom and lock the door in case a member of staffturns up unexpectedly, then fish the burner out of the box of tampons. If Juliet is going to bring up what I told Arron, I can’t risk having the conversation on my regular phone just in case the De Vils are monitoring it in some way.

I send a text from the burner telling her to expect a call from a blocked number, leave it two minutes, then ring. She answers immediately.

“Babe, you okay? Arron tells me you’re pulling out. And before you say anything, I’m on your side. Whatever you want to do, I’m right there, shoulder to shoulder.”

Whether it’s my period or her unwavering support, I don’t know, but I burst into tears.

“Oh, Gracie, don’t cry. Right, that’s it. I’m coming over. Tell the bulldozer security at the gate to let me in.”

“No, it’s fine. I’m fine. I got my stupid period yesterday, so I’m extra emotional.”

“Hmm.” She doesn’t sound convinced. “Are you sure?”

“I’m positive. It’s all…” I sniff. “It’s a lot. It’s been a lot.”

“Is anyone there with you?”

“No. I’m alone in Christian’s apartment.”

“Then, tell me everything.”

I draw in a deep breath and, keeping my voice low, let it all out. “I’ve been having doubts for a while. Before I knew him, I believed with my whole chest that he was guilty. Now… I just don’t see it. He’s kind and honest and true, and he genuinely cares for me. I can’t reconcile the man he shows me with the one I thought he was when we were strangers. You should’ve seen how he took care of me yesterday when I was cramping. Evil doesn’t behave like that.”

“People can hide shit, babes. Fake who they are.” She laughs. “Oh, the irony.”

A smile I wasn’t sure I could manage lifts my lips. “Andthat may be the case here, which is why I plan to ask him outright as soon as he’s back from his trip. If he lies, I’ll know.”

“Just… be careful, okay.”

“If you don’t hear from me in a week, maybe call the police.”

“That isn’t remotely funny.”

“He won’t hurt me.” I don’t know that for sure. Finding out I’ve lied to him from the moment we met, that I weaseled my way into his life, could invoke a violent reaction, but I can’t see it. “Kick me out on my ear? Highly likely. But hurt me physically? I don’t buy that.”

“Either way, as soon as he knows, you call me. I won’t stop worrying until you do.”

“I will.”

The knots in my stomach pull tight once I hang up. Not only will Christian despise me when he knows what I’ve done, but so will his entire family.

And I don’t blame them because I hate me, too.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

CHRISTIAN