Page 20 of Twisted Truths

It’s been three years since I’ve seen anyone outside the Circle, and the guarded looks we receive from the Barrenridge locals as we climb out of the truck send tingles up my spine. I glance at the other two girls, but they don’t seem concerned.

“What do we need to do?” I ask, keeping my voice low as Ifollow them to the back of the truck. Gabriel gave me no instructions, and I’m reluctant to ask him.

The girls share a look, ignoring me as they unload the boxes of produce, soaps, and homewares onto a trolley. They’re clearly annoyed that I took their friend’s place.

I roll my eyes at their pettiness and decide to search for Isaac instead.

Turning, I round the side of the truck and run into a brick wall. A small gasp escapes me as two strong hands grip my arms to steady me.

“Sorry,” I squeak, looking up … and up. The guy I bumped into is so tall I have to crane my neck to meet his dark, penetrating gaze.

There’s something familiar about him and his intense chocolate eyes. But that’s impossible; I don’t know anyone in this town excepther. He releases me and takes a step back, running a hand through his chestnut curls.

My stomach flips, and I swallow as his eyes flick over my shoulder before narrowing. When I turn my head, I see Gabriel standing behind me, his expression blank as he fixes his steel gaze on the stranger. The tension in the air thickens, and a chill runs down my spine as Gabriel steps forward, his movements almost predatory.

The tall guy straightens, his fists clenching by his sides.

I shift uncomfortably, caught between their penetrating masculine energy.

“Everything alright here?” Gabriel’s voice is smooth, but I don’t miss the undercurrent of something sharper. I risk a glance at him, but he’s not looking at me.

The stranger grins, though there’s no warmth to it. “Just a little collision,” he says, raising his hands as if to show he’s no threat. “No harm done.”

Gabriel doesn’t respond right away, and they size eachother up in a silent battle of wills. I don’t know where this animosity is coming from, but it feels charged.

Finally, he glances down at me, his gaze softening a fraction, though the edge remains. “You’re with me, Hadley,” he says, his words more of an unspoken command than an offer. I can’t tell if it’s for me or the other guy.

The tall guy arches a brow but doesn’t say anything. He turns away, his broad back disappearing around the front of the truck. The unsettled feeling doesn’t fade, especially when Gabriel places his hand on the small of my back and guides me through the maze of market stalls.

“Did he say anything to you?” he asks, leaning in to murmur in my ear.

I shake my head. “Who is he?

“No one.” The dark tone of his voice tells me he is definitely someone, but I don’t press him further.

Chapter Eight

NASH

Hadley.

I roll her name around in my mind. She’s the girl I spotted through the trees at the cult the other morning, and up close, she’s even more mesmerising. With her curious bright green eyes and the smattering of freckles covering her nose and cheeks, she has an air of innocence that brings out the protective side in me.

Running into her was unplanned—my feet had moved of their own accord when I’d seen the circle truck, and I convinced myself I was searching for clues. Instead, I bumped into Hadley, and the unexpected way my heart galloped in my chest at the sight of her caught me by surprise.

I shouldn’t feel any type of attraction to her—she’s one of them. The enemy.

I force myself to believe it’s because she is a similar age to my sister. She might have known Ziggy, might have answers about what happened to her during her time in the cult.

When Gabriel Solomon appeared, it took every ounce of my self-discipline not to attack him for brainwashing my sister.But I promised Levi I’d be careful. I want justice for Ziggy, and it won’t happen if I go off half-cocked the first time I come face to face with a Solomon.

The private investigator hasn’t called me back, despite me calling him numerous times yesterday. I need to know how he got those images from inside the cult. Levi is suspicious, despite seeing the photos. He doesn’t think we can trust the guy when he won’t tell us who is paying for his time.

Someone calls my name, and I turn to see Shane Elliot walking towards me, dressed in his uniform, a frown on his face. “Did I see you talking to Gabriel Solomon?”

I shrug. There’s no point denying it.

He sighs. “I don’t want any trouble. I heard about what happened between you and Tanner Crawley at the game last night. It’s a small town, Nash. Things spread fast.”