Before Liars Loved (Before Series, Book 3)

Truth

Scarlett walked back toward the staircase with Leo in tow behind her. At the bottom, she paused. The steps were considerably more daunting going up than they'd been going down.

She took a deep breath, about to put her foot on the first step. If she felt unsteady, she could always use the railings to support her.

Abruptly, both of her feet were swept up from under her, and Scarlett's whole body tilted on its axis.

"Leo!" she exclaimed breathlessly.

He was cradling Scarlett in his arms, holding her tightly against his chest.

"You shouldn't be walking around," he grumbled.

"I know," Scarlett confessed. "I became nervous that you'd leave before I had a chance to speak to you. Or that I'd fall asleep by the time you returned." She ducked her head against his chest as he began to carry her up the stairs. "I really wanted to talk to you, Leo. And suddenly, it couldn't wait."

Leo was frowning when he finally looked down at her. "Are you sure that you're up for talking?"

"I am quite positive."

"Fine," Leo said. He brought her through the doorway of her chambers and strode to her bed. Gently, he rested her on top of it. Scarlett scooted back against the pillows, propping herself up against them. Leo brought her another glass of water, which she eagerly gulped. Her head was beginning to clear; everything felt less foggy, and the pain had decreased. But the bad taste in her mouth wouldn't go away.

Sitting on the bed next to her, Leo waited with patience while she drank the water. When she was done, he took the glass from her.

Scarlett closed her eyes for a moment, preparing herself for the conversation. Leo would likely have many questions. And he'd probably be angry at her deception. But Scarlett knew she needed to clear this from her chest.

Opening her eyes, Scarlett peeked at Leo. She couldn't believe he was here. After everything she'd put him through, he was here.

And that was why he deserved the truth.

"Leo," she began.

He tilted his head to the side. "Yes, love?"

Scarlett hesitated, her heart skipping a beat, distracting her from her thoughts.

She tried to clear her throat. "I lied to you," she said, the words toppling from her mouth.

Leo didn't react beyond a brief nod. "About what?"

"I've never had a relationship—beyond friendship—with Damien, Lord Eades. We met as children; our families had neighboring estates."

His brows furrowed. "No relationship ever?"

"Correct." Scarlett shifted her position against the pillows. She glanced down, watching her fingers fiddle with each other in her lap. She forced herself to look at him and away from her fidgeting. "Leo, there are only two men that I've been...intimate with in my life."

Leo's brows moved again, this time lifting in surprise. He leaned forward, and Scarlett continued. "And those two men are my husband...and you."

Leo froze. He didn't move, didn't say anything, didn't change the stupified expression on his face.

"Leo?" she asked, uncertain.

Slowly, he opened his mouth and stated, "But you were Eades' mistress."

Scarlett shook her head. "I told you that was a lie. I've never been anyone's mistress. Including Eades. It was all an act, Leo."

"An act?" he repeated. He appeared to be getting more confused by the minute, even though Scarlett was trying to make things transparent. "But why?"