Page 44 of Entwined With You

That’s kind of a lie. I’ve always been leery. But in the Sabrina-times, I never wanted to show fear, so I’d ride anyway. I still feel the same way, but I need to keep up the illusion that we’re different people. And, perversely, I want to see how Brax reacts to a woman who’s not as apparently gung-ho and fearless as the girl he loved.

“How about we let you pick the ride, and I’ll promise to keep you safe?”

I grin, amused. “You’re the Amusement Park Police?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he says, whipping off a military salute.

I fight a laugh. “Okay, but if my screams burst your eardrums, you only have yourself to blame.”

He glances around the Pier. “Pacific Plunge or the roller coaster?”

I glance at the two rides. The roller coaster is fast and twisty. The Plunge takes you up in a big bucket, then basically drops you. It’s like the Tower of Terror at Disney World, a ride which I think is very aptly named.

I mentally suck in a deep breath for courage. “Definitely the Plunge,” I say. “It’s way more of a thrill.”

He meets my eyes, then holds them. “Yeah,” he says, his voice so soft I’m not sure he’s talking about the ride. “There’s something about falling and not knowing if anyone will be there to catch you.” He closes his eyes, and I see his throat move as he swallows.

When he opens his eyes again, his gaze seems to burn into mine. “I miss your sister.”

“Me, too,” I whisper, more moved by his words than I want to be. Because the truth is, I want to believe him. Not just the words, but the emotions. I want to believe that he really felt what he says he did.

“Wait here,” he says. “I’ll run get the tickets.”

I watch as he goes to the ticket counter, trying to wrap my head around all the facts and emotions and possible lies that have been surrounding me since I showed up in front of his apartment.

I know he’s that good of an actor — there’s no way we could have pulled off the kind of cons we did if he wasn’t. But I also know his technique. I know his heart.

And those words had the ring of truth in them.

But even if I’m right, what does that mean? Just because he misses me doesn’t exonerate him. He still could have killed me.

Except the possibility feels false and leaves a bitter taste.

If Cami’s right, Brax really did love me beyond all reason, just like I’d believed—just like I’d loved him. And if that’s the case, there’s no way on earth he would have killed me, not even if it saved himself.

And how ironic is that? The whole reason I’d been excited about this assignment was that it it positioned me for revenge. Revenge I craved because I’d lost faith in the man I loved. Now, I may well have burned a bridge I’ll never be able to repair.

It’s not revenge I want anymore. Or at least, not against Brax. Instead, I want answers.

Maybe I’m a fool.

Maybe I’m thinking with parts of my body other than my brain.

But I believe him. I don’t think he had anything to do with the bomb.

But if that’s the case, then who really killed me? And now that I’m back—albeit as my sister—I can’t help but wonder if my foiled killer is going to try again?

Chapter Thirteen

We’ve been waiting in the line for ten minutes, talking and laughing, when we’re finally ushered into the little compartment with a few other thrill seekers. It’s open, with only a strap and a bar to hold us in.

“You swear you won’t let me fly out,” I say, trying to make the restraint as tight as possible.

He grins. “If you do, I’ll fly out with you.”

“Like that would do any good.”

“Hey, you jump, I jump.”