Page 105 of The Betrayal

“Just wondered whether you had told her we were married or not?” He says nothing, just looks at me in confusion. “Only reason I ask is because she has just messaged me asking if all is okay with you because she text you for a hook up and you replied with 'sorry luce, I’m married to Arizona. We're a thing now so this can't happen anymore.'”

And I watch as his jaw laxes slightly, lips popped open.

“Ohhhh wait, my bad, you didn't reply with that, silly me. No, no, you replied with 'not tonight luce, maybe another'” and I am fucking angry.

“Ari... wait.”

But it's too late.

I sweep my phone off the countertop and walk away but Keaton is hot on my tail. He grabs my elbow, pulling me back and turning me to face him but I am in blind rage mode. My hand connects with his cheek and the echo of the slap fills the quiet house.

“Don't you fucking dare,” I seethe, tugging my wedding band off and throwing it at him as I walk towards my room, grab my suitcase I came with many months ago and begin to dump my belongings inside of it.

When I look up, he is standing at the door, a red mark across his face and eyes glassy.

“I didn't mean what I said to her, it was a quick-fire response.”

“I don't care Keaton,” my tone is harsh and a pain sears through my chest.

“You do care Arizona, why are you lying?”

“No idea, it must be contagious because I’ve been living with a liar, seems I have become pretty good at it too.”

“What does that even mean?” his voice grows louder as he steps closer to me.

“Exactly what you think it means,” I zip my case up and spin to face him. “I’m done Keaton. Here, you have your escape plan,” I continue towards the doorway, so we're standing shoulder to shoulder, “I suggest you take it,” and I just about manage to get the words out before the tears threaten.

I wasn't lying when I said I was getting good at it. Because what I just spun was just that. A lie. Another to add to the long list. I didn't want him to use this as an escape, but I was giving him it anyway.

Climbing out the cab, I stare up at Killian and Reese’s house. This felt a little too ballsy. Should I be here? No. But I needed my own escape plan, and this was just it. I didn't want to leave Keaton, I didn’t, and I promise that wasn't a lie, but I needed to. For both of our sakes.

Inhaling on a shaky breath, I climb the steps to the impressive townhouse and knock on the black front door. I'm not waiting long in the cold when Killian opens the door, utter confusion on his face as his eyes sweep over me, concern is evident on his worried brow.

“Arizona,” he steps forward, “are you okay?” his eyes swooping and taking in my suitcase and bag.

I nod, but shrug at the same time because honestly, I don't know. Am I okay? Like really? When I sit and count all the ways that my life has been derailed in the last six months, I would conclude that no, I am, in fact, not okay.

“Come in, it's Baltic out there,” he isn't lying. It's bitterly cold. Freezing in fact. He looks tired as he steps back, opening his home to me. And I am so damn grateful. I had no idea if they were even in, and I know I had originally spoke to Connie about having Killian's old apartment, but given my last encounter and the fact that Keaton showed up, I feel like Kaleb would spill my truths and tell him everything. And I'm not saying it would be out of choice, but maybe they coax it out of each other. Is it some twin superpower?

I step inside, and warmth blankets me.

“Thank you,” I wrap my arms around myself, my coat tied at my front. Grateful I sized up before I found out I was pregnant. This bump feels like it's growing by the minute.

“Want me to take your coat?” and I shake my head.

“I’m not planning on staying long, just have a favor to ask, that's all.” He nods a knowing nod. Does he know? Has Connie already brought it to his attention. He leads me down the hallway and towards the back of the house where a large kitchen-dining area sits.

“Your house is lovely,” my cheeks redden slightly.

“Thank you, I would love to take credit for it, but before Reese, it was merely a shell.”

“I heard my name,” Reese's voice floats through the room and I smile as I turn to face her, and she looks as pretty as ever. Dirty blonde hair, beautiful opal eyes, tall and lean.

“Hey Buttercup,” she walks towards Killian as he calls her nickname and embraces him, placing a kiss on his lips, baby monitor wrapped in her fingers before turning and facing to look at me.

“Is everything okay?” she asks me, her eyes doing a quick sweep over me.

“Yeah,” I roll my lips, “just want to ask something of Killian.”