Page 57 of Unspoken Lies

“Out,” I command, smirking as they get out like good little puppies. Although, they look very naughty as they pout at me. “Stay. I’ll open the front door when I’m good and ready.”

I’m already driving again as the trunk closes, driving around the corner as Nacio laughs silently.

“You have a knack for degrading men, Liliana,” he says. “Don’t ever change. That was fucking awesome.”

His eyes move back over to Rachelle, his mirth draining from his face as I click a button on my phone to open the garage.

“She’s still asleep,” he murmurs.

“It’s got to be such a shock to her system to see us all again,” I remind him as I shut the door behind us.

It’ll be all I can hope for that she doesn't wake up screaming.

Walking through my security system with Nacio as he carries Rachelle feels as if it takes forever, even though I know it hasn’t. The guys are waiting for me on my front stoop as Ignacio makes himself and Rachelle comfortable on the couch.

Her lashes are fluttering as I let them in, pointing at the wall outside of her view with a glare as I relock my door.

“Not a word,” I hiss, waiting as the three of them nod with wide eyes. Pulling off my jacket, I know that my gun is very prominently displayed as I turn my back to them.

The tone I’m using is the one that makes grown criminals shit themselves. I am not playing with them right now.

Rachelle sighs, showing signs of waking up as I walk over and squat beside her and Ignacio. She’s draped over his body as he lays on the couch, his face not immediately visible. He’s playing it smart, worried she’ll flip her shit if she sees him.

I don’t know if Mr. Emil told her that his son is out of prison, and the shock is what made her faint, after all.

Playing it safe is best in the short term.

As Rachelle’s confused blue-green eyes open, I smile gently at her.

“Hey, beautiful,” I whisper, my voice full of emotion. I don’t have to shut down for her, I can be myself. She doesn’t know the cold, unfeeling monster that I’ve had to become since she left the world with her light.

If she heard the mafia enforcer tone I gave the guys, I doubt she’d believe I’m me. I wouldn’t blame her either. I’ve changed a lot.

“Lili?” she asks, eyes wide. “Am I dreaming or have I finally cracked and I’m in an institution?”

“I’m here, baby. No one will ever send you away,” I say, forcing my voice to stay gentle.

I need to speak to her step-father, because we are going to have words if he’s ever threatened her with that.

CHAPTER 14

RACHELLE

Liliana’s eyes look equal parts amused and sad. My body hurts, and my socks are wet. I’m also laying on someone that’s hard and unyielding. As I begin to twist to look at them, Liliana shakes her head quickly.

“Eyes on me for a little while longer,” she murmurs. “I just want to look at you. Does anything hurt?”

“No, I mean yes, but my socks are wet and it’s really bugging me,” I rasp.

Liliana pulls them off without making a face and tosses the offending socks away. Next, she pulls a blanket around me as if she’s tucking me in for bed before gently rubbing her thumb over my cheek.

“You’re real, and you’re in my home,” she says, as if reminding herself as she tells me. “Some assholes were chasing you.”

A scoff behind me makes me turn again, and my pillow grunts as I push my elbow into his stomach accidentally. I only know it’s male because of the sound. Oops.

“The Kings are my bosses,” I hiss, as if it’s a secret.

“Yeah, baby, I know. There’s a lot going on, and I want you to know that I’ll shoot anyone who is mean to you without a thought, okay?” she asks. “I’m your step-father’s enforcer for a reason.”