His mouth opens and closes a few times before he swallows audibly.
“It’s The Circle’s job to know everything about its members,” he murmurs. “And your father was one of its originals.”
“You know my father?” I rasp.
Oliver quickly shakes his head. His glasses fall down in the process, and for once, he doesn’t correct them. “Not personally, no. He was killed just after I was born, and I wasn’t brought into the Circle until a few years ago.” He shrugs. “The Circle’s history is in the archive, and part of my job is to know information in that document, front to back.”
“Again,” I drawl, clenching my fists. “Do you know who my father is?”Was. He said my father died. He also said my father was part of the Circle.
Does that mean…I shoot a horrified look at Ella.
“No!” She stomps her foot and shoves a finger into my chest. “You are not my fucking brother,” she growls before turning to Oliver. “Right?”
“God,” he murmurs, turning his eyes heavenward. “Now would be such a good time to fuck with you both.” He sighs, shaking his head. “No. You’re not related to each other. Your father was Lucas Hendrix.”
“Are you saying Hunter and Stone are brothers?” Ella whispers, sounding just as taken aback as I am. For some reason, the pit in my stomach lessens at her shock.
Thank fuck, she didn’t already know. I don’t know what I’d do if she’d been keeping this from me.
He nods solemnly. “Lucas and Mia Hendrix were well-known drug addicts. The only reason they were allowed in the Circle at all was because Lucas' father had been close to your grandfatherbefore they both passed.” Oliver looks away. “I didn’t know your mother, Ella, but from what I’ve heard, she saw the best in everyone. I think she wanted to give Mia and Luke a chance. Madeline says Char attempted to get them into rehab multiple times, but they wouldn’t go for it.”
Her jaw ticks, and she crosses her arms. “So my family knew about how awful Stone’s parents were, and they still left him there?” She scoffs and flicks her gaze at me. “I still don’t understand. Did Lucas have an affair, or was Opal Morris never Hunter’s mother to begin with?”
I hate that my instinct is to pray that it’s the latter. I hated my mother more than anything. Mostly for her drug habit, but more than that…I hate that her last act as my parent was to leave me in the hands of two monsters.
“Lucas cheated,” Oliver murmurs, his throat bobbing. “A lot.”
“So…” she trails off and squeezes my hand. “Your mom was Opal, but your dad—”
“He’s not my father,” I snap. She flinches, and I release a slow breath, tugging her to my side. “I’m sorry, baby. This is just…”
“I know,” she whispers. “It’s a lot. It’s okay.”
“It is a lot, but that doesn’t make it okay.” My shoulders slump and I rest my chin on top of her head, holding her close, soaking in her sweet smell. Even here in this random, strange place, she still smells like my Ella. My girl. “I just don’t understand why Stone wouldn’t say anything. Did he know?”
Ella makes a sound of irritation. “Seems he knew a lot of shit that he kept from us,” she mutters. “Maybe we don’t know him like we thought we did.”
Oliver winces. “Don’t be mad at Alec. His childhood was worse than most could imagine.”
“Welcome to the fucking club.” I scoff.
Ella pulls herself from my arms and slowly turns to face Oliver. “How did you know about that?”
There’s a calm lethality to her voice that catches me off guard and I reel back, taking in their stare down. Oliver looks like he’s seconds from puking, but my girl is primed for a fight.
What am I missing?
“I can’t tell you,” he mumbles, his eyes flicking all around the room, looking anywhere but at us. Ella steps forward, her tiny hands balled into fists. I jump forward, getting to him before she can.
Like fuck, I’ll let her take the lead on beating this prick’s ass. I don’t know what we’re fighting for, but I’m so damn here for it.
“What can’t you tell us, nerd boy?” I whisper-hiss, wrapping my fist in his collared shirt. I tighten my hold and yank him forward, bringing us face to face. “Tell my girl what she wants to know, or I’ll knock your fucking teeth out.”
My shoulder burns, and a pained sound slips between my teeth, betraying my ire.
“Okay, bouncer boy,” he placates, untangling my fingers. He shoots me a surprisingly sharp look and guides me to my chair. What’s even crazier is that I let him. “Sit down before you pop a damn stitch.” He turns to Ella and smiles. “I’ll tell you both, just…you have to swear this doesn’t leave the three of us.”
“She’s the fucking queen, isn’t she?” I sneer. “Doesn’t that afford her unlimited access to all your fancy secrets?”
