Locked Away (Living With Lies Book 2) Read Online Free Page A

We’re family. Oh, speaking of that, is it okay if I call Alex and tell him you’re here?” My eyes dart to hers.
    Alex? Thankfully, I keep that thought to myself. She’s talking about David and Shelley Johnson’s son, technically...my brother.
    I have no idea how to answer that. I read the article that stated that the Johnsons had a three-year-old son at the time of my abduction, but reading the article online, I felt very removed from the situation.
    “Um,” I respond as I gather my thoughts. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” Kate stiffens but holds my stare. “Can I be honest with you?” I wait until Kate nods before I continue.
    “I know Alex is technically my brother, but that’s not how I see him.” Kate’s eyes thin as she processes my statement. “I’m Damian’s daughter, not Alex’s sister. The two worlds colliding doesn’t feel right.” I nervously swallow. “It could be very dangerous.”
    Kate blinks several times before nodding her head in agreement. “I understand what you’re saying. I don’t think I really grasp how powerful—in the wrong ways—Damian really is. Hopefully, I never will. I can tell you I’ve met Alex a few times and he’s always wondered about you. He’s more than wondered, and seeing you might lay some of his demons to rest.”
    I never anticipated meeting Alex Johnson. Then again, I never anticipated Damian not being my real father. “Still...I don’t know. I get what you’re trying to say, but...let me think about it,” I nervously add.
    “Absolutely. I’m going to head back downstairs and fix dinner. There’s a bathroom right down the hallway that you’ll share with Kiran and Callie. Feel free to freshen up then I would love it if you’d come join us.”
    Hesitantly, I nod my head yes. “Great. I’ll see you in a few.”
    With a small smile, she turns and leaves me alone in my new room. Boxes line the walls and there is a desk in the corner, but it’s otherwise bare. In a way, it’s perfect. I open my suitcase as the thought of staying here suddenly becomes real, which sends more panic racing through me. I can’t stop thinking about Damian and why he sent me here, and I can’t help but wonder if I’ll ever see him again.
    ****
    I take a hot shower and wash the long day of travel off my skin. If I were at home—where I wouldn’t be sharing a meal with a beautiful man that I’m positive I’m attracted to—I wouldn’t waste make-up this late in the day. However, I’m not about to head downstairs without looking my best.
    When I make it to the bottom of the stairs, the area opens up into a large living room that leads into the kitchen. I’m about to round the couch when I overhear Gavin and Kiran talking, making me pause.
    “You aren’t actually going to let her stay here, are you?”
    I hear a painful groan. “Come on, man. If I ever want to get laid again, I’m not about to tell Kate she has to kick Belle out.” I hear who I believe is Gavin chuckle.
    “Dude, that’s crap and you know it. Having that chick here could cause serious fucking problems.” My stomach sours at Kiran’s remark.
    “I know. Men like Damian Paasch do not go to Tijuana to vacation. Like normal, he’s up to no good, but this time, he’s allowed his problems to bleed into our lives,” Gavin replies.
    “She looks like a nice woman—a high maintenance chick—but that does very little to take away from the shit storm that’s probably following her.”
    My heart actually hurts. Back home, I’m used to people treating me this way, but I wasn’t prepared for it here, not with people who just met me.
    “What are you doing just standing here?” I jump before looking over my shoulder to see Kate standing behind me. I know she said her comment loud enough that Gavin and Kiran have to know I was eavesdropping. “Come on, I have dinner ready. I was just rounding Callie up to join us.”
    Kate walks past me and into the kitchen, and I follow her. Minutes