Locked Away (Living With Lies Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page A

When she does come downstairs, her guard is up and I can’t say I blame her.
    At first, I was okay with it, but now that a few days have passed, I’m starting to feel like an asshole.
    “Let’s go swimming!” Callie whines, forcing my attention back to her.
    I sigh, knowing I’m not going to tell her no. “Go ask your dad and if he says yes, then I’ll get in with you.” Callie jumps off my lap and takes off.
    I turn off the TV and start to stand as I see Belle round the staircase, heading toward the kitchen. She stops when she spots me. Her eyes quickly roam over my body before she turns and continues on her way.
    Hesitantly, I follow her. I don’t necessarily dislike this woman, but I’m not exactly excited she’s here. This isn’t my house. I have absolutely no say in her staying here, but I’ve known Gavin since we were kids. Gavin, Callie, and now Kate, are my family, and I care what happens to them.
    Belle is pouring a glass of water as I walk into the kitchen. She glances over at a banana on the counter before her eyes dart to mine.
    For the first time since she’s arrived, she holds my gaze for several long moments without blinking or looking away. Her copper brown eyes shimmer in the light in a way that catches me off guard. I start to open my mouth—to say what, I’m not exactly sure—when Callie comes running up behind me.
    “He said yes.” She pants as she attempts to catch her breath.
    “Belle!” Callie hollers as she shoves past me. “Uncle Kiran and I are going swimming. Come with us.” Excitement pours out of Callie.
    The four of us recently moved to Denver from Oakland. Back home, Callie lived in an apartment building, and while it was a nice building, she’s still adjusting to the amount of space the house has and definitely to having a pool in the backyard.
    “Oh, I have things I need to take care of. Maybe next time.” I shake my head, listening to her lie, but at the same time, it’s probably for the best that Callie not form any more of an attachment to her than she already has.
    She pouts. “But I start school soon and I won’t be able to swim every day.”
    For a brief moment, Belle’s eyes soften. “Sorry, sweetie.” Belle gives Callie a small smile then walks past us and out of the kitchen. I turn to watch her walk away because Belle is nice to look at. Long wavy blonde hair, legs that seem to go on for miles, legs I’ve pictured wrapped around me on more than one occasion.
    I take a deep breath, inhaling her lingering scent. I haven’t been with a woman in a very long time, and Belle is definitely triggering a reaction from me.
    I would love nothing more than to go out to a bar and find a random woman to sate the urges I’m feeling, but I know exactly where that will leave me. I promised myself I would leave my old ways behind when we moved. Belle is off limits, not that I needed Kate to tell me that. Either way, she did. Belle is her family and I have a less than respectable past.
    “Let’s go,” Callie says, bringing my thoughts back to the only female I’ve ever loved.
    “Okay. Give me a second to change.” I make my way up the stairs and toward my room when I spot Belle lying on her bed. She’s facing away from the door, unaware of me standing here watching her.
    Again I’m hit with another round of guilt. She passed on swimming with us so she could lie on her bed, something I’m positive she’s done all day.
    With a deep breath, I make a promise to myself to make her feel welcomed here, at least until she gives me a reason not to.
    ****
    Belle
    “Come here, baby girl,” Daddy says with his arms open wide. I run and jump on his lap with a giggle. “Who loves you to the moon and back?” he asks as his arms wrap around me.
    “You do, Daddy.” I snuggle tighter into his chest as he brushes his fingers through my hair. “Can I have a dog?”
    Daddy’s chest moves as he starts to laugh. “Why in the world do you want a dog?”
    I push back and