“Let’s hope that’s sooner rather than later.” The humor faded from his face, replaced by something heavier.
My stomach twisted. We both knew the parole board had been problematic.
Knox cleared his throat. “Look, I just meant that with Axel’s past … you should know it’s going to be hell for him.”
“It’s not exactly a cakewalk for me either.”
“But you don’t know about the skeletons in his closet.”
The way he said it made my skin crawl. “Skeletons?”
“And you, Dakota? You’re a walking reminder of everything that’s painful to him.”
Well, that’s dark as hell.
“Wow.” I sat back in my chair. “Way to make a girl feel special.”
“I’m not trying to hurt your feelings. I’m trying to prepare you.”
“For what exactly?”
“For the fact that this arrangement is going to cost him more than you know.”
The weight of his words settled over me like a lead blanket. Instantly, I wondered what he meant and considered pressing him on it. But I knew Knox; he’d send me a warning, sure. But he’d never tell me his best friend’s secrets.
“Well, like I said, it’s temporary and fake. We just need to convince people, and then we can go back to avoiding each other.”
Knox’s expression shifted, became almost pitying. “The truth always comes out, Dakota. The only choice is whether it’s on your terms.”
If only you knew how close to home that hits, big brother.
I was hiding more than just my fake relationship. I was hiding my entire identity, my past, the fact that my perfect influencer life was as manufactured as everything else about me.
“Anyway,” I said, desperate to change the subject, “I don’t know how you can stand Axel. He’s such an ass.”
Knox tilted his head, and I could practically see the gears turning. “You realize how ironic that is, right? He’s a respectable CEO. I’m an inmate, convicted of murder.” He paused, letting that sink in. “Yet apparently, I’m the good guy in your book.”
Shit. He had a point.
“I hate it when you’re logical,” I muttered. “It’s very unsettling.”
That earned me another laugh, smaller this time but genuine. It transported me back to summer afternoons at the park, racing down slides and Knox always winning. Except when some kid tried to cut in front of me. Then Knox would appear at my shoulder, my fierce protector, ready to take on anyone who dared mess with his little sister.
“None of this Axel drama matters anyway,” I said, waving a dismissive hand.
“Like hell it doesn’t.”
“These are silly problems compared to your real-world issues.” My gaze swept the visiting room, taking in the other inmates who looked like they could snap someone’s neck for getting their coffee order wrong. “I worry about you every day you’re in here.”
“How are Mom and Dad?”
Typical Knox. Always deflecting, always worried about everyone but himself.
“They’re fine.” The lie came easily. “I still have dinner with them every week.”
“And the house?”
“Great.” Another lie.
