Page 12 of Vicious Deception

“You did,” Rhett says. “Good job.”

I wonder if Ell is watching from the other room.

Moving to the wall, I gently tap on it. Within seconds, Elliot taps back. At least he’s awake.

When I return to the window, a woman in a sweater dress is cautiously crossing the lawn. Benny spots her first and waves.

“Miss Mia! This is my brother, Rhett. He’s teaching me how to fight!”

“And getting you all muddy, I see.” There’s no judgment or irritation in her voice. If anything, she seems amused.

Her and Rhett exchange formalities. As Rhett normally does when he’s forced into an unexpected social situation, he averts his gaze as often as possible.

Yes. Yes! Now just look over here.

I risk a small wave, but Rhett doesn’t see. He’s studying the garden, his hands shoved deep into his pockets.

“Do we have to do school today?” Benny asks. “I’d rather hang out with Rhett instead.”

“Yes,” Mia says with a laugh. “I don’t know how many times I have to tell you. Your schoolwork isn’t optional.”

“We can hang out some other time,” Rhett says.

When Mia smiles at him, Rhett looks away. This time, he finally looks upward—and directly into my window. When our eyes meet, his face falls, and the pain in his eyes mirrors my own. His eyes flit to the window next to mine, and his brows furrow. Did he spot Elliot?

“Rhett?” Mia says.

“What?” Rhett rips his gaze away from us. “Sorry, got distracted.”

“Benny asked if you could teach him more after his schoolwork is done.”

“Uh . . . I think so. I have to check my . . . schedule. But I’ll do my best.”

That seems to be enough of an answer for Benny. For a split second, it looks like he’s going to hug his older brother, but then he decides against it. He follows Mia back inside, but not before sparing Rhett one last glance.

“I’ll get to see him again,” Rhett asks the men who’re now flanking either side of him, “right?”

“That’s not for us to decide,” one of them replies. “Now move. You’re going back to your room.”

Huh.So is Rhett locked up like us, but he gets to come out to see Benny? It’s the perfect reminder of what’s at stake. I wonder if Ludo had them come out into the backyard so Ell and I get the same reminder, too.

Rhett has no choice but to cross the yard. It’s as painful as it was being torn from him the first time. He’s able to manage one more glance toward us, his expression holding an apology. I give him my best smile before he disappears inside.

Once he’s out of sight, the tears come back. With my back to the wall, I sink to the floor and bury my face in my knees.

I’m sorry too, Rhett. I wish I’d listened to you.

Chapter five

Elliot

Thatnight,I’maboutto sneak over to Oliver’s room again when my door opens. I freeze with my hands on the windowsill. Thankfully, I’m in an innocent enough position that it just looks like I’m staring out the window, but damn. That was close—too close.

Light floods the room, and I slowly turn and lean against the sill. Axel is already inside, dressed in dark clothing that makes his skin look even paler than normal.

“It’s time,” he says, tossing my boots onto the floor.

The dread I’ve been pushing aside bubbles to the surface, cold and dark. As I put on the shoes and lace them up, I try to swallow it down again.