Locked Away (Living With Lies Book 2) (10 page)

“What makes you think I’m looking for more than just one night?” I say, surprising her.

“I...I...I guess—”

I cut off her ramble. “Kate, I have no idea when Damian or one of his men are going to sweep in and take me back. In the meantime, I want to cut loose and have fun, and I thought Kiran seemed like the guy who’d deliver a good time.” My face reddens.

Kate exhales then nods her head. “As long as you know that Kiran isn’t known for relationships, that he probably won’t be anything more than a good time, then I’m okay with you seeing him. I’ll make sure I tell him that.”

I shrug. “I don’t think it matters anymore. He seemed pretty pissed off at me last night when I got home,” I state.

“The only thing that pissed Kiran off last night was the fact that you went out with another man. Believe me, if you’re still open to the idea, then I know he is. I’ve never seen him...hung up on a female before.”

I nod my head. I’m not sure I agree with her. “Are we good?” I ask as she starts messing with her lunch.

“Yeah,” she softly says which causes my heart to settle. It seems no matter how hard I try, Kate makes it impossible to hate her.

****

That night, Gavin came home from work without Kiran. He announced that Kiran stayed behind to work on a project, but I saw a look pass between Gavin and Kate that told me it was something else. My mind immediately went to a woman. He claims he has a date this weekend...maybe he sped up his plans.

After dinner, I told Kate I was tired and went to my room. Instead of going to sleep, I looked up Damian’s name online again only to find an article claiming a bench warrant by the U.S. government has been issued against him in the role he and five others played in the death of a DEA officer.

I’ve always known if I wanted to live a carefree life that it wouldn’t include Damian, but now faced with the reality of that, I’m sad, and more importantly, I’m scared. As much as I love Manuel, I refuse to return to Poza Rica without Damian. The people there—hell, even Damian’s men would love nothing more than the chance to bring down the Cartel Princess, and I fear that’s exactly what would happen without my father’s protection.

The evening passes and before I know it, it’s already close to midnight. Instead of sleeping, I put on my bathing suit and make my way down to the pool. This time, I find Kiran in his usual chair before I get in the pool.

“Hey,” I say, causing Kiran’s eyes to snap to mine. Instead of answering me, he nods his head. When it’s clear he’s not going to say anything, I dive in and let myself unwind. I repeatedly swim from one end to the other and the whole time I can feel Kiran’s eyes burning into my skin.

By the time I finish, I’m exhausted. Even pulling myself out of the pool feels like a chore. I walk past Kiran and grab my towel. Once I’m completely dried and ready to go inside, I pause.

“I’m sorry. You were right. How I spoke to Kate last night was out of line. I want you to know it won’t happen again,” I add before opening the door and heading back to my room. I don’t know what it is about Kiran Clark that causes me to act like a fool, but I know if I’m going to survive the next few weeks, I need to get thoughts of him out of my head.

****

If I had any idea that working ahead in my classes would give me this much downtime, I wouldn’t have killed myself that first night. However, as of now, I’m still waiting for additional assignments to be posted before I can do anything more. I used the Kindle app on my phone to download tons of books, but after reading several, I’m itching to get out of the house. I know Kate or Gavin would give me a lift if I asked them to, but I hate inconveniencing them any more than I already have. Consequently, today, after everyone left, I called a cab and went into town.

I went from coffee shops to bookstores to the public library. I met a few men who happily gave me their phone number, but the best part of my day happened when I made a friend—a female friend. At least, Jena feels like she could make for a good friend.

Jena works at the bookstore I spent hours roaming around in, and after a long conversation, she offered me a part-time job—which I gladly accepted.

My father would spit nails if he knew I was working a common job for a low wage, but I’m sick of sitting around Kate’s house all day. And if I’m being honest, I’m hoping if I put down some roots here in Denver then it will be harder for Damian to demand I return home, especially if I can figure out a way to survive without his help.

I wait around the bookstore until Jena is off work. She offered to give me a ride home, and even though it’s probably not the smartest idea to get in a car with someone I just met, I decide to take her up on her offer.

“Wow. Nice place,” she adds after she pulls in the driveway.

“Thanks, but it’s not mine. I’m staying with family for a little while,” I tell her, hoping she doesn’t ask any more questions.

“Well, Gabriela, I’ll see you in two days when you start your job.”

I sigh. “My friends call me Izzy.” Gabriela Bello is the name on my fake ID—a name Manuel picked for me. I knew if I wanted a job, I couldn’t tell her one name then change it to another so I stuck with Gabriela, but I don’t want Jena to start calling me Gabriela.

“Sure,” she says with a baffled look.

“I’ll see you in two days,” I add before I get out of the car and walk inside. Once I’m through the door, I spot Callie watching a movie in the living room. She turns and shakes her head. “Shh. You’re in trouble,” she whispers in an adorable little voice.

“Why?” I whisper back, causing her to giggle. She darts her eyes toward the kitchen. “Uncle Kiran got mad that Kate didn’t know where you were at,” she says. “He raised his voice and even yelled,” she says, nodding her head. The fact that Kiran gets mad and yells doesn’t surprise me in the least, but apparently, it does Callie.

“I’m sure it’s okay. I’ll go tell Kate I’m home and everything will be fine.” Callie shrugs like she doesn’t believe me, but thankfully she goes back to watching the TV.

I stand up and walk into the kitchen, and sure enough, Gavin, Kate, and Kiran are arguing in hushed voices. The second I step inside, their conversation stops and all three of them turn to face me.

“Guess what?” I ask, not hiding my excitement.

“What?” Kate says just above a whisper.

“I got a job.” I clap my hands before I open the fridge and grab a beer. “I think I’ll celebrate.” I crack the beer open and take a huge gulp.

“You drink beer?” Kate questions as I wipe my face with the back of my hand.

“God no, that was awful.” I cringe before setting the beer down on the counter. “I figured my good news should be celebrated, but I think going out for drinks sounds like a better idea. “Who’s in?” I ask as the three of them continue to stare at me with bewildered looks. “Okay. I can call a cab. I would ask to drive one of your vehicles but what little driving skills I have were learned on a dirt road using an ATV. Add in the adult drinks I plan to have, and I’m sure to end up in jail before the night is over.” I do nothing to hide my excitement while the three of them continue to watch me as if I’m crazy.

“What? Do I have something on my face?” I ask as I run my hands over my cheeks.

“Where have you been?” Gavin questions as he arches his eyebrow.

“I went out,” I proudly state. Kate tries to hide her smile as Gavin shakes his head, but it’s Kiran who speaks up first. “You didn’t think to leave a note? Or, hell, text Gavin since he has your number and tell him where you were? We’ve tried calling you for the last three hours but your phone goes straight to voicemail.” Kiran’s jaw ticks. Callie was right. He’s struggling to contain his anger.

I can feel my happy vibes from earlier melting away. “Kate, I’m sorry if I scared you. When I left earlier today, I didn’t plan to stay out this late. Then I got a job and made a friend, and I lost track of time. Also, I forgot to charge my phone last night so it died sometime during the day. I feel like Callie did on her first day of school,” I say, which causes Kate’s shoulders to relax as she smiles.

“That’s great, Belle.” My smile fades as Kate reminds me that I’m Belle Paasch—the sheltered girl without a life—not Izzy, the girl I was today.

“I think I’m going to go upstairs to change my outfit.”

Kiran’s eyes darken. “You aren’t serious, are you? You think it’s a good idea for you of all people to go out drinking by yourself in a city as big as Denver? I knew you were naïve, but I didn’t take you for stupid.”

Kate gasps and Gavin says, “Dude.”

“What? You know I’m right,” he growls toward his friends. “Would you let Kate out in this city alone and looking to party?” he adds as my good mood officially vanishes.

I take a deep, calming breath. “I think I’m going to pass on the celebration tonight. I’m tired, anyway. I’ll see you guys tomorrow,” I say, looking directly at Kate and Gavin before turning and walking to my room.

I find something to wear and make my way to the bathroom. I turn on the shower, and once I’m inside and the hot water starts running down my skin, I allow a few tears to escape.

I don’t want to be the woman who’s always dependent on someone else, and no matter how hard I try, I can’t get away from the girl I once was.

Belle

The next morning, I skip breakfast and wait until it is safe to head downstairs. When I finally do, I’m ready for a swim. I pull my hair back and dive in. Within a few laps, I can tell someone is watching me. Because no one should be home, I slow down at the end of my lap to look around. Immediately, I spot Kiran in his usual chair. I shake my head and go back to swimming.

Once my body is done, I climb out of the deep end and grab my towel, never once looking in his direction.

“I’m sorry,” he shouts as I step inside. When it’s clear I don’t plan to stick around, he hops up and follows me inside.

“I didn’t mean to call you stupid last night. I was pissed,” he groans. “I’ve been pissed a lot lately, and every time, it has to do with you,” he adds. I shake my head and start walking up the stairs. “Wait, that didn’t come out right,” he says, taking two long strides to close the distance between us. “What I mean is I’m pissed all the time because you’re fucking with my head.”

This time, I stop and turn around to face him. “I’m fucking with your head?” I repeat, sounding every bit as annoyed as I feel.

“Yes, and it’s not your fault,” he rushes out, which for some strange reason causes my anger to settle slightly.

Kiran locks his blue eyes with mine. “I’m attracted to you. Really fucking attracted, but Kate told me from the second you arrived that you were off limits.” He takes a step closer, but this time, I don’t move away. “There’s also Alex to think about. We’re moving in together, and like it or not, he’s your brother. I’m positive he’ll have my ass if I fuck things up with you, and that’s exactly what I do. I’m a fuck up when it comes to women, but until recently, it never bothered me.” I can see Kiran’s chest moving up and down as he continues to watch me.

“I don’t give out my real name to a woman I know I’m going to have sex with. And the last time I had sex with the same girl more than once I was in high school ...” He pauses, waiting for me to say something. Kiran’s nostrils flare as he takes a deep breath. “I have a shitty track record, and Kate and Alex have every reason in the world to demand I keep my distance from you,” he adds without taking his eyes off me.

A normal girl wouldn’t be excited to hear Kiran’s confession, but I’m anything but normal, and I’m not looking for a happily ever after.

“When you gave a fake name to a woman, was it because you didn’t want to see them again?” I question, catching him off guard.

He slowly nods his head. “Yes. No strings, no relationships. That’s what works best for me,” he replies with a grim smile.

“Is that what you want with me? No strings, no relationships, just sex?” I ask, causing his eyes to flare. I might want more with Kiran, but I’m willing to settle for whatever he’s offering. I won’t be here long enough to have a real relationship, anyway, and no matter how much I try, I can’t get him off my mind.

“I ...” He clears his throat. “I don’t want to only have sex with you.” Those damn flutters make their way down to my stomach.

“What do you want with me?” I’m not about to let him off the hook. I need to make sure I don’t expect more than he plans to give, otherwise my heart might be in pieces when I leave.

His blue eyes gaze into mine for a few moments until he finally answers. “I want to try something more, but I can’t promise you anything. That’s why Kate warned me away. I like you, but I can’t promise you anything more than a good time.”

Forming a lasting relationship with anyone is dangerous. Unfortunately, I’m not only referring to the emotional damage dating me could cause. “Okay, but, Kiran ...” I trail off on a smile.

“Yeah?” he asks, taking another step closer.

“You need to relax. You act like the idea of dating translates into something bigger. We’re not getting married, and while we more or less live together, it won’t be for long. So I’m asking you to relax.” His facial features soften and he steps even closer. He reaches out and runs his hand through my wet hair. Feeling bold, I reach up and run my fingers over the stubble on his chin, which causes him to smile.