Beyond The Lie

chapter 3: Complications

Eryx.

As I turned towards the voice, my heart skipped a beat. Asher, my younger brother, stood at the entrance, his bright blue eyes fixed on Addie with a mix of curiosity and mischief. The air seemed to vibrate with tension.

"Do you know about their relationship, Asher?" Dad asked, his voice laced with a hint of concern.

Asher's gaze never left Addie's face. "I know my brother, Dad. I can sense it." He shot me a knowing glance, his eyebrows raised in a silent challenge.

Addie's eyes narrowed, her gaze shifting to Asher with a flash of suspicion.
"Asher, perfect timing," I said, forcing a casual tone despite the tension thickening like fog. "Addie, this is my brother, Asher. You know him, right?" I attempted to sound nonchalant, but my words felt like a fragile dam holding back a torrent of emotions.

Asher's eyes sparkled with interest as he took in Addie's appearance, his gaze lingering on her hair, her lips, her eyes. "Nice to meet you, Adeline," he said, his tone charming, but with an undercurrent of provocation.

I shot Asher a warning glance, but he just grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. I knew he was trying to get under my skin, but I couldn't let him succeed.

Addie's eyes darted between me and Asher, a hint of amusement dancing in their depths. "Nice to meet you too, Asher!" she said, playing along with a bright smile.

Asher nodded, his smirk still plastered on his face as he sauntered over to stand beside me. I felt a surge of irritation, but he just raised an eyebrow, daring me to react. I obliged, giving him my best death glare, but he simply shrugged, unfazed.

The tension was palpable, the air thick with unspoken words. Then, Dad's voice cut through the silence, his tone warm and courteous. "We'll get going then! It was a pleasure meeting you, Ms. Carson."

Luna's smile was gracious as she mirrored Dad's gentle nod. "The pleasure was mine, Sir."

Dad didn't correct her, simply nodded and headed for the door, Asher trailing behind him. As they left, Asher tossed a parting glance our way. "See ya!" he called out, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

The door closed behind them, and the room seemed to exhale, the tension dissipating like a released breath. I felt Addie's gaze on me, her eyes searching for answers.

Adeline.

As the door closed behind the two men, the tension in the air dissipated, leaving behind a sense of relief. I turned to Eryx, my eyes locking onto his, seeking answers about my new role as his girlfriend. His gaze met mine, and for a moment, I was lost in the depths of his hazel eyes, my mind wandering to the sharp jawline, dark hair, and tanned skin that seemed to glow in the soft light.

"I can't figure out if you're looking at me with disgust or adoration," he stated, his voice low and husky, breaking the spell.

I shook my head, refocusing on the conversation. "I was searching for some answers about my new role," I reminded him, and myself.

"It's... complicated," he said, his tone firm, his eyes clouding over like a stormy sky.

I raised an eyebrow, a spark of frustration igniting within me. "Wow, drama!" I said, my voice laced with sarcasm.

Eryx glared at me, his eyes flashing with a warning. "Some things are better left unsaid," he growled, his voice low and even, but I could sense the tension simmering beneath the surface.

I took a step forward, my heart pounding in my chest. "Oh, hello, excuse me? You almost killed a man, kidnapped me, declared me as your girlfriend, all by yourself, and when I ask for reasons, you say 'things are better left unsaid'?" I quoted his words back at him, my voice rising in indignation.

Eryx sighed, his shoulders sagging in resignation. "Okay, listen, Luna—"

I cut him off, my voice firm. "It's Adeline."

He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Adeline, my dad is strict when it comes to rules—"

I interrupted again, amusement dancing in my voice. "You guys live with rules?"

Eryx ignored my question, his expression turning serious. "And he won't be pleased if those rules are violated. I've broken a few, and I said what I did to keep us out of danger."

I crossed my arms, my skepticism clear. "So?"

Eryx's gaze locked onto mine, his eyes intense. "Isn't it obvious that you have to act like my girlfriend?"