Fraud

This is awkward. Even more so than it was to go on a date with Gabriel. I’m not cut out for the shady shit my dad is involved in. If I was ever interrogated, all they’d have to do is wave the torture device at me and I’d break down and cry like a little bitch.

I’d tell them everything.

My dad’s secrets.

Mine.

Hell, I’d tell them all of Emily’s and Ava’s, too, just for good measure.

Turning back to me, she places a bottle on the counter and opens hers to sip from it.

“So,” she says, a sparkle in her eyes and an odd smile on her face. “Spill.”

I squeak, my heart now fully in my throat dancing a staccato rhythm. What the hell does she want to know?

It takes effort to speak. “Spill what?”

Her laughter is charming, her unassuming nature shining through her body language and voice.

“About Gabriel. I’ve heard the two of you have history, and I want to know all about it.”

That’s actually worse than what I was afraid she was asking. I’d rather tell her what my dad did than go anywhere near that subject.

“We’ve known each other since we were kids,” I answer simply, hoping like hell she doesn’t pry too much.

Her eyes roll. “You know more than that. From what I hear, you two can’t stand each other. I was here the night you dumped him on Ta

I laugh at that. Only because it was insanely fu

Tipping her water bottle at me, she adds, “I respect the hell out of you after that. I also think you’re stupid for fucking with him, but you’ve got balls.”

Wait. What does she know?

“I happen to be quite experienced in fucking with Gabriel. We’ve been messing with each other for a long time.”

Her brows tug together at that.

“Which is weird. He’s such a nice guy. I prefer having him around when Ta

Okay.

So she’s clueless.

Nice guy, my ass.

I go along with the misconception only because spilling Gabriel’s secret would result in my death and shallow burial.

“Although, I understand that Gabriel shouldn’t fully be trusted,” she says. “He’s an expert liar.”

At least she knows that much.

“What did he do to you?” she asks, her light brown hair falling gently over her shoulders.

Taking a breath, I unscrew the cap on my bottle and swallow a few sips. “I have no idea. He wouldn’t tell me. All I know is that my father is no longer speaking to me now, all my credit cards have been cut off and I’m pe

Her eyes widen. “Holy shit.”

“Yeah,” I agree. “He’s not playing around this time.”

She shakes her head. “It’s no worse than what Ta

Oh, geez. This must be good.

“And that is?”

“I wonder how much time we have before the guys come down. This is going to be a long story.”

Fine with that as long as it means I’m not talking, I settle back in my seat.

“I apparently have all the time in the world. Gabriel has no intention of taking me home. Tell me everything.”