Beyond The Lie

Chapter 50: Letting go

Eryx.

I feel like I'm losing my grip. Everything that's happened is a complete disaster, and I'm terrified of what's still to come. As we drove away from the warehouse, the tension in the car was suffocating. Asher's anger and disappointment radiated off him like a palpable force. He wouldn't even look at me, let alone speak to me or Addie. And Ryker, trailing behind us on his bike, might as well have been invisible.

I knew Asher was furious – with me, with Ryker, with the entire situation. And I didn't blame him. I was furious with myself too. But what really had my stomach twisted into knots was the call from my dad. His voice had been cold, detached, and it sent a shiver down my spine. "Come home, Eryx. Bring Asher with you." But the words that really stuck with me were: "Don't bring her."

My mind was racing. What did he know? What did he have planned? And why was he so insistent that Addie stay away? I glanced over at her, feeling a surge of protectiveness. I couldn't let anything happen to her. Not now, not ever.

Just then, my phone buzzed with a message from my team. I glanced at the screen, a mix of relief and unease washing over me. "We reached the location before Lena's team could leave. We've taken care of the gang and have Lena in custody." I felt a small sense of satisfaction knowing that Lena was finally off the streets, but it was short-lived. What would happen next? And what did my dad's call really mean?

I pulled over at a deserted intersection, the only sound being the creaking of the car doors as we stepped out. Ryker stopped his bike in front of us, his eyes scanning the surroundings before settling on me. I opened the door for Addie, and she emerged, her beautiful green gown now disheveled and stained. My heart ached as I took in the sight of her, her usual poise and confidence marred by the trauma she'd just endured.

I felt a wave of guilt wash over me, but I pushed it aside, focusing instead on Addie's eyes. They were steady, her gaze unwavering as she met my stare. I saw a flicker of emotion there, a hint of vulnerability, but it was quickly masked by her usual determination.

Asher stood beside us, his face a mask of seriousness, his eyes narrowed. I knew he was still angry, still hurt.

I took a step closer to Addie, my eyes locked on hers. I asked softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "Are you okay?" 

She nodded, her voice a little too bright. "Yep!"

I hesitated, feeling a pang of guilt. "Ryker will take you home..." I said, trying to sound reassuring.

Addie's eyes narrowed slightly. "Oh, are you going to see your dad?"

I nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation.

Addie nodded too, her expression understanding.

"I don't think I can climb onto that bike wearing this," she said, trying to lighten the mood. She gestured to her beautiful green gown, now stained and disheveled.

I smiled wryly. "Yeah, I know... Ryker's going to take the car."

We looked over at Ryker, who gave us a salute.

Addie turned back to me, her eyes serious. "Or... do you think I should wait here for you?"

I felt a surge of protectiveness. "No, no... you should go home and get some sleep. It's been a hell of a day for you."

My heart ached as I looked at her. I felt guilty for putting her through this.

"I'm sorry," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Addie smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "No... it was... a fun day," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

I felt a pang of desire as I remembered the moment we shared in the storage room. God, I wanted to push that thought away, but I couldn't.