Page 101 of The Taste of Deceit

“I’ll call you later.”

Michael doesn’t answer right away. He closes his eyes for the briefest second before looking back toward the second floor.

“Take care of her.”

“I will.”

Chapter 27

Luca

The drive home is silent. Sarah doesn’t look at me once.

She sits curled against the passenger door, staring out the window while tears slide down her cheeks one after another. Every few seconds she wipes them away, but they never stop.

I keep glancing at her. Nothing. The radio stays off. The only sound in the car is her uneven breathing.

I’ve seen Sarah cry before. I’ve seen her angry. I’ve seen her terrified. I’ve never seen her like this.

I tighten my grip on the steering wheel.

“I’m sorry.”

She doesn’t answer.

“I never wanted this to happen.”

Still nothing. I reach across the center console and rest my hand on her thigh. She shoves my hand away. I let it fall back into my lap.

Another minute passes before she finally turns toward me. Her eyes are swollen, and her cheeks are streaked with tears.

“This is your fault.”

“I know.”

“No.”

She shakes her head, wiping furiously at her face.

“You don’t.”

Her voice starts to rise.

“You made me keep this from her.”

“I know.”

“No, Luca!”

She turns in her seat, tears spilling faster now.

“You don’t get to keep saying you know.”

She hits her fist against her chest.

“She looked at me like I betrayed her.”

I don’t say anything.