Page 15 of Liar
Savannah stares at me a few beats too long. Like she’s peeling back layers of my skin, taking a peek at the secrets behind my tendons, then sewing me back together, frowning as she does it.
I forget that Savannah’s dealt with Societal bullshit a lot longer than I have. She’s kidnapped and held for ransom, and she still has to deal with their twisted rituals in underground graves.
“I’d ask you the same thing,” I say to her.
“For the same reasons as you.”
Savannah responds with a closed-mouth smile. I return it, both of us well aware of the fakeness of our words.
For a brief, vulnerable second, I’m about to tell her the truth—that I’m here to get the information needed to pass to Malcolm who can then give evidence to the FBI and bring the Briars down.
My mouth even parts to do it—until I force it shut.
I’m horrified at how easily swayed I am by a warm connection. Am I so lonely that I instantly trust the first person who’s nice to me? Forget that this person is a traumatized human being, enduring God knows what for who knows how long. Just moments ago, she was on the brink of either a coma or hysteria. Only talk of being similarly bound and dragged into a locked room brought her out of it.
I can’t trust her. I can’t trust anyone.
“Do you have any idea why we’re here?” I ask again. “Or … why I’m with you?”
“My guess is, they’re building up to something.” But the questions prompt her to look around with me. “Hey, what’s this?”
She lifts up a bundle that had been stacked in a corner and previously blocked by her body. As it comes into the light, I notice that it’s white, expensive fabric. “Are those dresses?”
Savannah sets it down and takes the first piece of the top, shaking it out.
Silk falls from her fingers, shining and dancing along with the fire. She holds the shoulders in her hands, sleeveless and with a plunging V.
Setting it aside carefully, she unfolds the other dress. It’s long as well, and covered in hand-stitched pearls.
I breathe out in wonder. “How much do you think these cost?”
“More than the price of our sanity.”
We meet each other’s eyes again. Smile.
Dammit, I like her.
“I suppose we have to wear them.” I put my hands to my hips, studying both as Savannah lays them next to each other on the bench. “You choose first. I don’t mind.”
“The pearls.”
“Wow. No hesitation there.”
Savannah offers a sheepish, shadowy smile. “I’m not as tiny as you. I’d appreciate the extra detailing.”
“Please.” I wave her off, studying her from head to toe on instinct after a compliment that makes me squirm. “You have the body of a centerfold. I’d kill for your—”
Savannah shrinks under my scrutiny. Literally trembles and turns away. “Please don’t stare at me.”
“I—I’m so sorry.” I retreat, throwing my hands up in horror. “I didn’t mean … I wasn’t—”
But what could I say, really? She was taken. Held. Used. I don’t know the details of what happened to her, but I shouldn’t have to. “That was really insensitive of me.” I clear my throat. “Something about being locked in a crypt. It throws me off.”
“It’s okay.” Savannah turns back to me, smiling at my joke. “It’s kind of nice to have someone who doesn’t treat me like I’m a piece from the Chinese Dynasty, priceless and prone to fractures. It’s only when I remember … when my mind goes back to last year, that I…”
“You don’t have to explain.” I point at the gowns. “Shall we get dressed?”
Savannah nods, her long waves illuminated as soft, golden flames. “Would you mind turning around as we do it? I’ve been avoiding the girls’ locker rooms and getting changed in the headmistress’s office.”