Page 38 of Wicked Truths

“Are you speaking from insider knowledge or personal experience?”

Not that I was expecting an answer, but his silence makes me wonder if he’s ever been to the club.

It doesn’t matter. We weren’t together.

Besides, he’s Joey’s best friend, so I have a feeling he’s been to the club several times.

Rhett might not know the full truth about my family, but it’s time to clue him in just a little bit.

“If my family is involved, then I’m involved. It’s hard for me to explain things clearly, but my family is different from most, and it’s only a matter of time before I catch up on everything I’ve missed over the past two years.”

Uncle Tony has helped a little, but clearly there’s more for me to uncover.

He pulls up outside of the grocery store, parking in the fire lane.

“I just have to know. Do you frequently go there? Perhaps an ex-girlfriend works there?”

Rhett slams his hand on the steering wheel, making me jump at the sudden movement.

“Damn it, Francesca. You have zero right to act like a jealous girlfriend. You broke up with me, remember?”

Of course I remember. It was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make.

“But if you must know, there hasn’t been anyone since you left two damn years ago. Just stop asking questions about the club, because you’re wasting your time. If you have other questions, then ask them, but no more about the club.”

His anger slowly subsides until he’s left looking defeated and heartbroken all over again.

I get out of his truck and head inside as I let his words sink in.

I have more than one question for him. Hell, I have an entire monologue I’ve replayed in my mind for the past two years. With several bulleted points where I beg for his forgiveness, but my need to keep him away from the mafia lifestyle has won every argument I’ve had with myself.

Stepping up to the grocery pick up counter, I give the cashier my name before grabbing my bags of food.

I take my time heading back outside.

What am I supposed to say to Rhett after that argument? “Sorry, my need to find out my family’s secrets are getting in the way of us having a relationship like old times?”

I freeze as I step through the doors. Rhett has his head resting on the steering wheel with his eyes closed.

After putting my groceries in the back seat and climbing into the passenger seat, he lets out a deep sigh and glances my way. “For two years, I’ve been waiting for you to let me in, Chessie.”

It’s now or never.

Do I tell him why I left two years ago?

If we stand a chance of having a future together, he needs to know.

Chapter Eleven

RHETT

I pourmy feelings out and practically confess my love for her and she just leaves like it means nothing to her.

She left so she can pick up her groceries, but I know what she’s doing. She’s scared and running away from the feelings we still have. She’s trying to act jealous, so she doesn’t have to face how she really feels.

It’s too late for that, though. The love we used to have for one another is still here, burning brighter than ever, but she’s still pulling away.

Why? Why is she so hesitant to let me in again?