Page 55 of I Never Stopped Loving You

“How do you know?”

Fuck. I should have worded that differently.

“Cockroaches like him don’t die so easily. He probably changed his name, maybe even his face. He’s alive somewhere.”

“Aren’t you worried about her safety?” he asks as he sits forward and rests his elbow on the table.

“No. She’s strong. She’s been on her own up here for a few years now. She can handle herself.”

I return my attention to my phone and refresh the feed one more time. Bingo. Five minutes ago, Jenna posted a photo of the flowers with a fun little caption.

When your bestie's Prince Charming turns our front room into a garden. #Jealous

“You know something, don’t you?” he asks, interrupting my train of thought.

“What?”

“You know something about her dad. You wouldn’t be this chill unless you did.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I told you she’s a tough woman. I’m confident she could handle herself.”

“Mhm…You forget that I know you better than anyone, and I can tell when you’re lying. Come on. Just tell me.”

“There’s nothing to tell,” I shrug. Well, more like nothing I can tell him.

“Fine. Whatever. Are we going to get her a new desk, or is there one from another office you want her to use?”

“If you keep being a snippy asshole, she can have your desk.”

“I just don’t like that you’re still lying to me. You’ve hidden the truth from me for all these years and honestly I’m still a little pissed over it.”

“Why do you think I’m lying?”

I put my phone away and lean forward in my chair, waiting for him to answer.

“You threatened your dad’s life for simply looking at her. You’ve been obsessed with her since you were a child. And I’m sorry, but if there was even a chance that the woman I loved could be hurt by someone, that certain someone would no longer be walking around. If you catch my drift.”

“Loud and clear, Cuz. No longer walking around. Is there anything else?”

“Please tell me. Is he locked up somewhere?”

“Sure.”

“He is?”

“Maybe,” I tease.

I can tell this is annoying him, and it’s fun.

“Where?”

“What?” I ask.

“What? What do you mean, what?” he growls.

“You asked where. So I asked what. We know the who, but what’s the why?” I laugh as I pull back out my phone.

“You’re fucking irritating. When you decide to act your age and just tell me the truth, come find me. Otherwise, you’re on your own.”