Page 60 of No Lies No Promises

Dammit.

After everything we’ve been through, she’s lying.

Chapter 31

Lillian

My soulmate’s jaw ticks as he drives in silence. I hate keeping secrets from him, but my sister and I swore an oath. Long before Sean, we promised never to reveal our hiding places.

He should find a normal woman, not one who has to run at a moment’s notice. My life is a mess. If we stay together, I’ll drag him through the mud, a fate no man should have to endure.

“Stop it.” His stern voice jerks me from my thoughts.

“Stop what?” My head swivels toward him. What’s his problem? Aren’t I allowed to think?

His stony gaze fixates on the road. “Just because I’m mad doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be together. We’ll find our family, then deal with this threat. It’s how we roll.”

Exiting Route 4 near a sign for Fairleigh Dickinson University, he turns onto River Road.

At the stoplight, the device in my ear snaps to life. This time it’s Dante. “Pierre called. Said a man left a phone number at the bar. Said it was urgent. I can patch it through now, if you want.”

After a couple of rings, a pleasant female voice with the unmistakable cadence of AI answers. “Hello. I have Ruthanne and Rebecca. I will exchange them for Lillian.”

Oh no. My father has them.

Listening to the dial tone, my heart pounds so hard I can’t breathe. If I don’t comply, he’ll torture them until I do.

“No.” His fingers squeeze the wheel.

“But I can trade—”

Our boss cuts me off. “I’ll trace the call. See what I can find. The plan doesn’t change. That’s an order. Dante out.”

How can I do nothing? I seize Sean’s arm, begging, “Turn around. Please, Sean.”

“And go where?” Voice low, he glares at me.

“Back to the city. Home.” This is all my fault. He has every right to be mad. But I need the flip phone taped under my dresser, my lifeline to Becks.

Ignoring my wishes, Sean turns up a hill, passing dozens of split colonials. After a maze of turns, he pulls into a driveway where the GPS announces, “You have arrived.”

All Marine, he tosses me the keys. “Do what you want. You always do.”

The disdain in his voice brings tears to my eyes. I won’t leave, not without him. We’re partners.

Inside yet another strange home, we get ready for bed. No goodnight. No sleep tight. No I love you.

Mind buzzing, I stifle a sob and stare at the ceiling. “Do you think the robo-call was legit?”

Scowling, Sean punches his pillow. “Not a clue. Where are they, Lillian?”

“I don’t know… for sure.” With the space between us an impenetrable chasm, I roll onto my side and close my eyes.

The next thing I know, the clock says noon, his side of the bed cold.

In the kitchen, Sean slides coffee, toast, and eggs in front of me.

I miss his kiss, his cheerful “Morning, honey.” Is this what it’s like when couples fight? If so, I’m lost. All I want is to go home. Is that so much to ask?