Page 20 of Vicious Deception

“If you need a couple minutes—”

“I needthem,”I yell. I don’t mean to, but it’s the only way I can get the words out without my voice breaking.

Finn doesn’t seem hurt or offended. If anything, I think he understands. I haven’t forgotten the way he looked in the farmhouse’s basement those few weeks ago.

At least I didn’t lead her to her death. She deserved better than you.

That’s what Austin told Finn before Rhett killed him. I don’t know who Austin was talking about, but I don’t need to know. Whoever she was, Finn cared about her, and losing her still haunts him. It’s written on his face even now. He doesn’t want me to meet that same fate, nor does he want to lose the guys.

“All right.” Reaching out, he takes Maggie’s leash from me. “Then let’s head back.”

Chapter seven

Rhett

Frommyfirstmeetingwith Benny and on, I eat all my meals with him in the dining room. Andrew is always there for breakfast, but he’s usually busy during lunch and supper. Occasionally, Ludo dines with us as well. He never seems to enjoy Benny’s company, but I think he wants to check in on how well his plan is working.

As far as I can tell, Benny still fully believes that I’m a guest here, not a prisoner. My bedroom is a couple doors down from his, and he’s seen me coming and going on occasion for meals. From his perspective, I’m able to roam the mansion as freely as he’s able to.

I don’t let myself slip into that line of thinking. My “bodyguards” are a constant reminder of my true place here, as well as the glimpses I’m able to get of Oliver and Elliot.

In the evenings, Benny and I usually end up outside together. Sometimes we play a variety of games—catch, hide and seek, things like that. Usually, though, he’s interested in learning how to fight.

I think training with me makes him feel like a warrior in one of his books. I’m happy to teach him. These skills might come in handy whenever we manage to break out of here.

Hopefully not,I remind myself. I’d prefer for there to be no risk to Benny’s safety on our way out.

The more time that passes, though, the more I’m wondering if we’ll even get the opportunity. Since I’m under constant watch, I have to play it safe. None of Ludo’s men will engage in conversation with me, so it’s not like I can find someone who’d be willing to help me.

I’ve also noticed that Andrew has been avoiding me. Whether it’s due to his orders or because he still feels guilty, I’m not sure. But the only times we’re ever in the same room are when he’s with his partner or when Holloway is present.

Well, except this evening, anyway. I sat down to a plateful of mac and cheese—Benny’s request, apparently—and when my youngest brother came in, he was dragging Andrew with him.

Now, Benny is on his second helping of pasta, and Andrew is picking at his food while sending me nervous side glances. I’m about to ask what’s bothering him when Benny speaks up, his mouth full.

“You said you’d tell me about Dad.”

My stomach drops.Oh.“Benny, I don’t—”

“You promised you’d tell me.” He’s watching me intently, and the determination on his features is yet another thing that reminds me of Sammy.

“You’re right,” I say on a sigh. “I did. What do you want to know?”

“Why don’t you two talk anymore? And why do you only call him Richard instead of Dad?”

Shifting uncomfortably, Andrew cuts in. “Maybe that’s personal. You’re being rude.”

But Benny ignores him and continues staring at me expectantly.

“When I was your age,” I start, “Richard was . . . abusive. I’m not sure how he’s treated you both, but it doesn’t sound like he’s changed.”

“He’s been a piece of shit my whole life,” Andrew says. “I don’t think he has a kind bone in his body.”

“My mom died when I was young. Some . . . other things happened, and Richard got worse. He was already cruel, so at that point, I was done. I knew I deserved better, and I didn’t want to be around him anymore.

“Little did I know, that’s exactly what he wanted. By then, both of you had already been born. When I moved out, it gave him the opportunity to fully move on—to only have one family to focus on. The one he wanted.”

Guilt passes over Andrew’s face. At being the preferred son? At realizing how hard things were for me compared to him?