23. Carina

CHAPTER 23

Carina

ONE MONTH UNTIL RYAN'S BIRTHDAY

A s Ryan drives away from Alex's home, I wrap my arms around myself and sink down into the plush seat of his car. I shift in my seat to face Ryan, pressing my cheek against the soft, buttery leather when it hits me—this isn't the car of a plumber.

He's been lying to me.

And liars can't be trusted.

Ryan's jaw is clenched, and his brow is knitted. His knuckles are white as he grasps the steering wheel. He glances in my direction, and his face softens for a beat before going hard again.

"You haven't been honest with me, have you?" I ask.

"And you have?" His voice seethes with rage.

I sit up straight and wrap my arms around myself tighter. Why did I leave with him? I would've been better off dealing with Alex and my mother.

Ryan jerks the car over to the side of the road and hits the brakes. Dust from the gravel swirls around the car.

"Why?!" he roars. "Why were you at my brother's? Was this all a setup? Just answer me that, and then I'll drop you off wherever you want to go. You won't have to see me again."

"Oh, so you're going to blame me when you've been lying since the beginning?" I say.

"I've been lying to you?? Oh, that's rich. You're just avoiding my question."

"Well hello there kettle, this is pot," I say. "Is Ryan Stirling even your real name?"

"Of course it is. What else would be it?"

" I don't know, maybe Winterbourne like your brother. I didn't even know you were related."

"Sure, like I believe that. What were you doing with him? Is this some kind of scheme to make sure I don't get married?"

"What are you talking about? What's marriage got to do with anything?" I ask.

He eyes me suspiciously with his right eyebrow raised. Slowly, he starts shaking his head.

"You're good," he scoffs. "Pretending you have no idea."

"I don't know what you're talking about," I say.

He snorts before putting the car back into drive.

"Where can I drop you off?"

"I would say you could drop me off somewhere on your way home, but after six months, I still don't know where you live."

"Good, I'm glad you don't. The last thing I need is some woman showing up at my door."

"Some woman? Is that all I am to you? Just take me home. To my home. You know, the place you've been to, slept over at, had dinner. And yet you think I'm the one who's been lying."

He grunts, and then we ride the rest of the way to my apartment in silence. For the first time since meeting him, I can't wait to get away from him.