See No Evil

Chapter 30

Stone

“Whose cars are those?” I ask as we emerge from the Oakley woods.

“Easton and Colt’s,” Fi

“Were you expecting them?”

He gives me a forlorn nod, hesitating to take a further step back toward the mansion.

“Well, let’s not keep your friends waiting, quarterback,” I exclaim, rushing my step and pulling him along to match my pace before he has a chance to change his mind.

“Stone,” he begins to protest but stops when Lincoln opens his front door, apparently expecting our arrival.

The smile stitched on his face is just as wide and genuine as when I first showed up on his doorstep. It troubles me that I can’t pinpoint if Lincoln is as trustworthy as his smile indicates. Especially after everything Fi

“All caught up with, I see,” he taunts, eyeing Fi

When I see the traces of grass in pretty boy’s golden locks, I know his friend has a good idea of what we’ve been up to for the last few hours. Not that I care. What happens between Fi

Fi

“Do you mind if I borrow your phone for a minute, Stone?” he asks out of the blue, polite as ever, even if his expression is as stern as steel.

I look up at Fi

“I’ll get you a new one, brat,” Fi

“Okay, now that that’s done, Stone, please come in. We have plenty to discuss.”

Lincoln’s smile returns to his face as if ordering Fi

“Oh, trust me, I know,” I scold, walking into the lavish home, ready to get down to business.

I’m pissed as all hell that Fi

“Linc,” Fi

“Don’t even sweat it, Fi

“She’s my heart, Linc. I can’t lie to my heart.” Fi

“I never expected you to.” He smiles genuinely, and I witness the weight on Fi

“If you two are done with the bromance, we have a lot to talk about,” I snap, still trying to come to terms with the influence that Lincoln has over Fi

Lincoln chuckles at my sass, the small laugh making his whole face light up. I can definitely see why everyone in both Carolinas wants a piece of him. After all, he is Asheville’s golden boy, and it doesn’t hurt that, along with all his wealth, he isn’t hard on the eyes either. If they only knew what I know now, maybe people wouldn’t be so eager to be a part of his life. I sure as hell can’t say I’m thrilled about it.

“Where are the guys at?” Fi

“They’re both in the kitchen having di

Fi

“Come on.” Lincoln chuckles again. “You guys must be starving.”

“I could eat,” Fi

Even my stomach grumbles with just the mention of food, considering the workout pretty boy laid on me this afternoon. Then again, there is still plenty of lost time we need to catch up on, so we’ll need to refuel if we don’t want to wither away.

Lincoln’s wide grin is still on his lips as he guides us to the left wing of the house, passing each room, one more luxurious and ostentatious than the last. Some people might get the green-eyed monster just by strolling through such opulence.

Me, however? Not so much.

What’s the point of having such wealth and riches when your life has been filled with nothing but despair, sadness, and tragedy. Whoever envies Lincoln Hamilton is a fool in my book. I wouldn’t want to trade lives with him for all the money in the world, that’s for damn sure.

I’m still forming my own conclusion on our host when we walk into a large kitchen, where two familiar sets of eyes lock with mine. Easton’s all-knowing smirk irks me to no end, while Colt’s cold demeanor makes my skin crawl.

“Why the fuck is she here?” Colt reprimands, the deep-rooted scowl making his handsome features look ten times more menacing than attractive.

“Just breathe, asshole. This is Fi

“If you don’t, then I pity the girl who falls for your charms,” I reply overtly sweet, batting my eyelashes at him in sarcasm and ignoring the other asshole at his side.

“Always with a comeback. I knew I liked you.”

“Yeah? Sure didn’t act like you did when you came to Big Jim’s warning me to stay away from your best friend,” I bark out bitterly, still sore that he acted as if I were no good for Fi

“You did what, now?” Fi

“Hold on, big guy. Don’t get your panties in a twist. You had been sulking for days because she wouldn’t go on a date with you, so I figured a push was in order. A little reverse psychology and poof—you got your girl. You’re welcome.” Easton has the audacity to wink at me.

“You played me?” I retort in amusement, oddly impressed by his scheming ways.

“Kind of, yeah. It worked, didn’t it?” Easton wiggles his brows as he lights up a cigarette.

“I don’t know if I should slug you or kiss you.” Fi

Fi