A Thousand Lies

Chapter 20

Chapter name: making plans

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Alec

I park in the driveway and jump out of the car. I don't know what's gotten into me. I only go back to the mansion for emergencies. Temperance needing me shouldn't be an emergency.

If only I could help it when it comes to her. I wouldn't be running away from my duties to tend to her. This girl, she just sets a fire off in me. When I'm around her I get nervous and my heart beats faster. I have this deep urge to protect her.

If my father heard about me abandoning my duties tonight, he would be furious. I would no doubt be screamed at for hours. He isn't abusive or purposely mean to me, he just has a reputation to hold.

Growing up me and my siblings were under extremely strict rules. We couldn't do anything to disgrace our family name. Ace and I had to be the best of the best to inherit the gang. My father never had any intentions of Arella maintaining his work so she didn't get the harsh rules.

Once Vanessa came into Ace's life he decided he didn't want to be the next leader. That led me to be here now. If my dad found out that I have also been swayed by a girl I wonder what his reaction would be.

I know he wouldn't be pleased with me, no way in hell. He has always wanted to put me in an arranged marriage to further power the gang.

I would rather stay with Temp than do what he wants. She is shy but she's also sweet. Her smile is cute and her face is beautiful. Even when she was covered in bruises her beauty didn't falter in my eyes.

Her body is amazing. When I first met her she was skinny but had a small jiggle in that ass. Well, she still has someone of an ass. She started downsizing over time, looking sicker and sicker each day.

I guess the hospital realized how underweight she was, they made sure to give her as much food as her body could healthily handle. She has more meat on her now than she did, I've been making sure she eats what she is given.

On the ground, I spot a brunette girl with pale skin. Paler than usual. With a blanket over her petite body.

Ella is right. She is shaking.

I walk towards her.

"Flower?" I whisper, kneeling down. I know she hates the nickname, I just like when she makes a disgusted face when I call her that.

She opens her eyes and halfway turns around to look at me.

I carefully pick her up bridal style with the blanket still on her.

Like I've always noticed. She is light. Probably ninety pounds or so. At least she gained some weight.

She hesitates before wrapping her shaking arms around my neck. I can't help but smirk as she snuggles into my chest.

She is trembling so badly. Like a scared dog during a hurricane.

Ella looks at me a certain way. Asking if I need help. But I shake my head no. Temperance is someone I can take care of on my own.