Page 41 of The Lies That Shatter
“Absolutely fucking not. She’s not dating someone else,” Finn snaps, the anger and frustration making his voice sound like a growl.
“She’s not really going to date him, Finn. We just need Mel to think she is, so she’s not suspicious anymore,”Bree explains.
“I don’t like this, Red,” Finn says through gritted teeth.
“Neither do I,” I add, hearing Finn breathe a sigh of relief. “But I think it’s a good idea. The only way to make her think I’m not a threat is if she believes I’m with someone else.”
“No,” Finn snarls.
“Finley, if you can pretend, then so can I,” I reply, my voice coming out harsher than I intended. I have to trust him every time he goes on a date with Mel, and live with the consuming jealousy, so now he can know how it feels.
Bree, picking up on the tension, interrupts us both. “This is the best plan, and the only way I can think right now to keep Mac safe. I’m sorry, Finn, but it’s all we have at such short notice.”
“Fine,”he grumbles.“But you better stay safe, McKenna.” His voice softens slightly at the end, and I can’t help but smile.
I take one final look at the underwear set I’m wearing, and I hold on to the image of a simpler time. One where nobody is fake dating anyone else, and we can just be together. I need that day to come sooner rather than later.
“I will stay safe,” I promise.
As we end the call, things move quickly. I take the underwear set and thank the sales assistant for her superb choice before I go to the till to pay for it. I make a point of not looking over to the door, but that sense of being watched floods my body again, and I know at least one of them is still waiting for me.
As soon as I’ve paid, I head out of the door with my purchase in hand. I try to make it seem like I’m not watching where I’m going, attempting to slip past them as though I don’t know they’re there. Sadly, Mel’s the one pulling the strings here, and she clearly wants to make her presence known.
“McKenna. How…lovely…to see you. What are you doing here?” she asks with that fake voice she normally reserves for her fellow rich friends.
Her eyes flick between the expensive lingerie shop behind me, and the matching bag in my hand, as she tries to keep her expression neutral. She’s had years of practice wearing a fake ass smile, but I see the little slip as it becomes more of a sneer.
I pull my lips up into an equally disingenuous smile. “Oh, I’m just buying some new items for my date tonight. It’s a special occasion.”
Her eyes narrow as she fixes me with a glare that makes it clear that if looks could kill, I’d be six feet under already. “Date?”
“Yes,” I reply with a sickly-sweet smile. “With my boyfriend. I’m actually on my way to meet him for coffee now, but tonight is our anniversary.” The lie falls off my tongue as I repeat everything Bree put in her message, along with the picture of Ethan.
Mel’s brows shoot into her hairline, suspicion and shock clear to see. “I didn’t know you had a boyfriend.” It’s not hard to miss the inflection in her words, making it obvious she thinks someone like me probably doesn’t have a boyfriend. The urge to stab her grows the longer I look at her perfectly made up, yet totally evil face.
“I do. I just don’t talk about him at work. I try to remain professional, and keep my personal life separate,” I lie. Mel nods, and looks like she’s about to say something more, so I cut her off. The more questions she asks me, the more chancesI have of getting caught out in my lies. “Anyway, it was lovely seeing you, but I better run. Don’t want to be late.”
I give her another fake smile, and without waiting for her reply, I head towards the coffee shop a couple of doors down and join the queue. I don’t look back, but I have a very strong suspicion that either she or the bald guy is following me.
I continue on with Bree’s plan. I order my coffee, collect it once it’s made, and find a table for two. I take a seat with my back towards the door, as I don’t think my nerves can take facing her, knowing she’s stalking me.
Taking a sip of my coffee, trying to ignore the way it burns my tongue, I try to control my breathing and calm my nerves. Thankfully, it’s not too long before a man sits down opposite me.
Ethan—matching his photo perfectly—gives me a big smile before leaning over and pressing his lips to my cheek. “Smile, we’re being watched,” he whispers against my ear as he pulls back.
I do as I’m told, and when I finally get the chance to really look at the man sitting opposite me, I’m shocked to find he’s actually incredibly hot—much hotter than his photo. I mean, not Finn hot, but this guy is definitely good looking. He’s got brown hair that’s a little longer on top, causing the ends to curl slightly, giving him a much softer appearance compared to his muscular body.
He’s wearing a T-shirt that clings to his chest, showing off impressive muscles, without being too big, like a bodybuilder. Every inch of skin visible on his arms are covered with tattoos, which I admit makes him look even more dangerous and sexy.
He smiles at me, flashing dimples on his cheeks, and I can’t help my blush. His eyes are almost a molten silver colour, and although he’s got a boyish face, it’s clear he’s all man.
“Hi,” I stutter, not really sure what I’m supposed to say to the man.
He gives me a bright smile, dimples widening, showing he’s not fazed in the slightest by this weird turn of events. He reaches over and clasps his hand in mine, lacing our fingers together, and it feels so fucking weird. His hands just don’t seem to fit the way Finn’s does, and that makes me smile.
“The bald guy has sat down near the door, and the posh woman appears to be coming over. Act natural,” he says, giving my hand a squeeze.
Yeah, I struggle to act natural under normal circumstances, and this is anything but normal,I think to myself with a laugh.
