Young Lies (Young Series)

by Kimble, W. R.

  I sit up a little and look over at Tom. Tyler is curled half on his chest, half on the bed, and they both look incredibly content. I can’t remember when I decided to let my guard down and allow Tom closer to me. It was gradual and before I knew it, we were together. And every morning that I’ve woken up beside him or in his arms, I’ve felt guilty for being unable to return the feelings he has for me.

  Sighing heavily, I slip out of bed and wrap myself in a bathrobe, then head out into the suite. Everything is dark and quiet, just as I’d expect it to be at this hour, but I hear a slight shuffling out on the balcony and head out to investigate. The glass door is open and I can see Matthew sitting in a chair in the dark, his long legs propped up on a side table, his arms crossing his chest. I want to sit with him, not necessarily actually doing anything; just being in his presence would be enough right now. But he looks relaxed and his eyes are closed, so I think he might be asleep.

  As I make my decision to at least cover him with a blanket before returning to bed, I hear him speak. “Are you going to just stand there staring at me all night?”

  I grin at the teasing in his voice. “You never used to complain,” I respond.

  “Did I say I was complaining?” he asks. “If you’re going to stare, fine, but the least you can do is come sit over here so I can stare back.”

  This was one of the things I hated about Matthew at first: he so very casually flirts even during the most inappropriate times. I quickly grew to love this side of him which he always deployed when I most needed a distraction. Though I’m still tempted to return to bed with Tom, the draw of conversation with Matthew shows to be much more appealing than snoring. I sit beside him in another chair and I think he’s surprised that I stayed.

  “Can’t sleep?” he asks quietly.

  I shake my head, staring out over the balcony.

  “Me neither,” he says. We fall into a silence that is only slightly uncomfortable due to the mile-long distance between us. “Samantha, I need to apologize again for getting the three of you so involved.” I sigh to myself. This is the last thing I want to talk about right now; there will be time enough later after I’ve managed to get a couple hours of sleep.

  “How do they even know about us, Matt?” I ask tiredly, curling up on my side to look at him. He looks exhausted and afraid and sad and confused... And sexy. He never doesn’t look sexy... “I thought you’d gone to extraordinary lengths to make it seem as though you and I never even met, let alone got married and had a kid.” I can’t help the bitterness in my tone as I recall the letter I received from him two months after I left. It detailed all the ways in which he cut his ties with us, all in the name of safety. Following his measures, you’d be lucky to find our names linked together anywhere, and information of our marriage is nearly impossible to find. I don’t know how he did it, but he successfully erased me from his life.

  He flinches at both my words and tone, and I know he’s biting back some annoyed response. “I thought so too,” he says evenly. “But unfortunately I haven’t yet developed technology that wipes memories of the people threatening us when they know us.”

  “What do you mean they know us?” The implication of the words is horrifying. Does that mean it’s someone we socialized with often? Someone from within Matthew’s company?

  “Nothing like what you’re thinking,” he says gently. “It’s not a friend. It’s someone we met a couple times at parties. Apparently they saw me somewhere a while back, noticed I was no longer married, and decided to figure out why. From what we understand, they’ve been digging into my past for years and have decided this is the time to exploit it.”

  “What do they want?” I ask, trying not to focus too much on this detail.

  He sighs and when I look at him, he seems older than thirty-two. Much older. “I’m working on a new piece of technology,” he says carefully. I know he can’t go into detail, so I just nod. “It’s something I’ve been working on for years and I’ve already got several very high bidders, even though it’s nowhere near completion yet. This other company got wind of the development and they want it. At first they tried to say this new technology was theirs, that I stole it, which I didn’t, of course, but they’re trying everything. They went from that to trying to outright steal the plans from me. At one point, they tried buying it off me and they weren’t happy when I refused to even consider the offer. Now they’re onto blackmail and unfortunately, that blackmail involves you and Tyler.”

  I can’t help but wonder what he’s working on. Over the years, I’ve seen all sorts of products ranging from computer chips the size of my pinky fingernail to pieces of weapons to be sold to militaries all over the world. Matthew has a policy to only sell to those countries allied with the United States and this policy has served to piss off the others something severe. His work crosses every spectrum imaginable—home computer systems to missile targeting to radar to children’s toys. It’s because of the diversity of his development that makes him one of the top defense contractors in the world and as one of the top, he’s often targeted by other companies and organizations.

  “Tom says we’re going to New York,” I eventually whisper, desperately needing a slight change of topic.

  Matthew nods. “Yes.”

  “Why?”

  He gives me a don’t be stupid look. “Because I need to get back and at least this way, I know you’re safe,” he says plainly. “I can’t diffuse the trouble from here and I’ll be able to work better knowing where you are.”

  Knowing we’ll be closer to him is both a relief and nerve-wracking. At a time like this, I know our best option is to be wherever Matthew is until the threat passes. On the other hand, I know being in such close proximity to my ex will cause a hundred other problems ranging from my feelings towards him to a severe increase in Tom’s grumpiness. Then of course there’s Tyler. He’s an inquisitive little boy and I won’t be able to hide the truth about Matthew from him for long. He’s seen pictures of his father, heard stories, and it’s only a matter of time before his brain connects all that information with the stranger who’s suddenly at our side almost constantly. I want them to know each other almost more than anything, but I never wanted it to happen like this, when we’re essentially running for our lives.

  A hand tentatively resting on mine jolts me out of my thoughts. “You okay?” he asks.

  I look up and find he’s leaned closer to me, close enough that I can faintly smell his cologne. That’s more of a comfort than anything so far. “I’m fine,” I say, unable to pull my hand from his even though I know I should. He takes the opportunity to wrap his fingers around mine and instantly I feel warmer than I have in years. “What did you say to Tom?” I blurt the question so suddenly that I didn’t even realize I was going to ask until I did.

  His brow furrows, possibly in confusion over the abrupt change of subject. “Nothing special,” he says quietly, sitting back in his chair again. I notice immediately he hasn’t released my hand. “Basically that he needs to stop being such a dick when all I’m trying to do is help. That I’m doing this because I have no other choice than to interfere in your lives.”

  My body seizes at his words. I know deep down he doesn’t mean it the way I think he means—that he doesn’t want to be part of our lives, but since he got us involved, he feels he needs to fix things before we all go back to our normal lives—but it’s affecting me more than I want to admit. My hand goes limp in his and I slowly remove it from his grasp, uncertain whether the shadow that crosses his face is disappointment and hurt or relief. “Well,” I hear myself saying, “once this is over, you’ll never have to hear from us again.”

  Matthew immediately sits up straight, turning to face me fully. “Sam...” His tone is almost begging as he realizes how I interpreted his words. “That’s not—”

  “Hey, Matt, did you---”

  We both look up as Leo steps out onto the balcony. He stops and looks between us in surprise. “Oh, sorry, Sam. I didn’t
realize you were awake.”

  “It’s fine,” I say hastily, taking this opportunity to make my escape. “I need to get some sleep anyway.” Before either of them can stop me, I slip through the doors and practically sprint to the bedroom, desperately trying to hold back the tears.

  -------------o-------------

  As dawn approaches, I slip out of bed before Tom and Tyler wake up, and head for the bathroom for a shower. I don’t want anyone to see that I’ve spent the last several hours silently crying or that I didn’t get any sleep. It’s going to be a frighteningly long day with explanations to Tyler and traveling with Matthew to face without having to explain why I’m a crying mess. I came to the decision that I won’t allow Matthew to affect me, or if he does, I won’t allow him to notice. The situation is bad enough without having to face old feelings that he might not even have anymore.

  He’s obligated to help us. He implied as much, even if he didn’t actually say it. His priority is and always has been his business, and everything else comes second or third or fourth...

  I know this is harsh, but the only way I can maintain emotional distance from Matthew is to paint him in a selfish light, making him only slightly less the enemy than the actual people trying to harm us.

  After my shower, I feel strangely refreshed and rejuvenated, and I quickly dress in jeans and a sweatshirt in anticipation of today’s travelling. There’s no doubt in my mind that we will not be flying commercially; rather we’ll be comfortably ensconced in Matthew’s private jet. I do love that jet. So many wonderful memories... At last count, I think we had sex on nearly every surface, flat or otherwise, and in every row of seating. It was a challenge for us, one we both enjoyed far more than we probably should have.

  Exiting the bathroom, I see Tom isn’t in bed anymore. He’s probably gone to argue with Matthew again. Tyler, however, is still there, sitting up on the monster bed and looking around in confusion.

  “Morning, baby,” I say, drawing his attention to me. Relief fills his little face at the sight of me and I move to sit beside him. “How’d you sleep?”

  He frowns at me. “Where are we?”

  “We’re in a hotel,” I tell him. “We decided to take a little vacation for a few days, and we wanted it to be a surprise.” The less he knows about possible dangers, the better. “How would you feel about flying on an airplane today?”

  As predicted, his eyes light up at the prospect. “Really?” he asks excitedly. “A real plane?”

  I nod, smiling. He hasn’t been on a plane since the night we flew from New York to Omaha, and I know he doesn’t remember it in the slightest. Anytime we travel, we’re usually driving, since our destinations are only to family members’ homes a few hours away. “Yep,” I tell him, pulling him onto my lap. “Sound like fun?”

  He nods emphatically, smiling so widely I think his face might stick like that. We chat a little longer about our plane ride and vacation until Tom enters the room.

  “Tom! Guess what!” Tyler exclaims, bouncing out of my lap in a way that makes me wince when his left knee inexplicably makes painful contact with my bladder. “We’re going on a plane!”

  To Tom’s credit, no matter how much he hates this entire situation, he doesn’t allow Tyler to see that side. Instead, he’s the attentive father figure who genuinely enjoys seeing my son’s excitement. “Are we?” he asks just as excitedly. “What makes you think that?”

  “Mom told me,” Tyler says proudly. “She says we’re going to...” He trails off, frowning in a way that makes Tom and me both grin. “I can’t remember where, but we’re flying!”

  “Well, she probably should have told you we’re not actually going on an airplane; we’re flying like birds. I hope your arms are strong enough, because the place we’re going is far away and you’ll fall right out of the sky if you can’t keep flapping your arms like wings.”

  “No we’re not!” Tyler replies, immediately detecting the teasing in Tom’s voice. “We’re going on a plane.”

  Tom shoots me a grin and a wink. I manage a small smile in return. “Oh, well, that’s good. I’d hate to lose you halfway to New York.”

  The two of them continue discussing our travel plans and I excuse myself, the need for coffee suddenly striking. Out in the suite, Matthew and Leo are standing around a table, talking quietly. I take the moment to appreciate Matthew after he’s had his shower. His hair is still damp and flat, since he hasn’t been running his hands through it constantly. Yet. And even from here I can smell his combination of body wash and aftershave. It’s intoxicating and I have to fight not to groan aloud.

  Matthew sees me first and I see his eyes soften as he gives me a smile. “Good morning,” he says quietly, almost cautiously. In an instant, I know he’s seen past all my attempts to make it seem as though I’ve gotten a full night’s peaceful sleep rather than dwelling on every little detail of what’s happening around us. “Coffee?”

  I nod, averting my eyes from him. “Yes, please,” I practically whisper.

  Leo mutters some half-assed excuse and heads into another room to make a phone call.

  “You didn’t sleep,” Matthew observes as he walks to the in-suite kitchen to pour me a cup of coffee. I watch him silently, noting he still remembers exactly how much of my favorite creamer to mix in. I even see him roll his eyes at how much he’s pouring in, having never understood why I insist on flavoring my creamer with coffee. He turns and hands me the cup, looking at me expectantly.

  I note the black shadows beneath his eyes. “Neither did you,” I retort, taking a small sip of my perfectly prepared drink.

  He sighs, leaning against the counter and sliding his hands into his pockets. “Good point,” he concedes resignedly. “But as I recall, I can survive on far less sleep than you.” I don’t respond. There’s no point. “We’ll be leaving in about half an hour. I’ve already spoken to Tom and he’s made all the arrangements with both of your places of employment. I believe the excuse he used was a family emergency.”

  Shit. I didn’t even think about calling into the office to tell them I wouldn’t be in for a few days, depending on how long this ordeal lasts. I nod in acknowledgment.

  Matthew shuffles a little uneasily. “Have you decided what you’re going to say to Ty?” he asks quietly, watching me very closely.

  I stall by taking several sips of my coffee. I have decided what I’m going to say, but I don’t think Matthew will like it. In fact, I know he won’t like it; I know I don’t. “Mostly,” I mutter to my coffee cup. “I’ve already told him we’re going on vacation. Though if you’re referring to how I’ll explain you...” I shrug uncomfortably. “I don’t know what else to tell him aside from saying you’re a family friend.”

  His jaw tenses. “How about telling him who I am?” he says through gritted teeth. “Are you planning on hiding it until he’s old enough to figure it out for himself?”

  I glare at him. “He knows about you, Matt,” I say coolly. “He’s seen pictures, I’ve told him stories... He knows who his father is. But he’s six and he’s not going to understand the connection, especially since for the majority of his life, Tom has been the constant.”

  “That’s not my fault,” he says in a low voice, looking angry and hurt. “You’re the one who—”

  “Don’t,” I interrupt harshly. “Just fucking don’t, Matthew. I’m not having this conversation with you right now.” Or ever, if I have my way. “This needs to be as simple as we can manage for Tyler’s sake. He’s already much more aware of his surroundings than a six-year-old has any right to be, and the last thing any of us wants is for him to sense the danger or animosity between any of us. So, please, for his sake, can you at least be civil to Tom?”

  The suggestion seems to annoy Matthew further, but he grudgingly nods just in time for Tom and Tyler to join us. I hear Matthew suck in a sharp breath as he sets eyes on his son for the first time in years outside of photos or him sleeping. I can’t imagine what it feels like for him to do s
o; I’d lose my mind if I didn’t get to see my baby every day and the turmoil it must cause Matthew is at the forefront of my mind.

  I turn around to face the new arrivals and immediately see Tyler looking between Matthew and me with a frown. Immediately I know his mind is making connections most little kids couldn’t manage. He really is too smart for his own good—and mine—sometimes. I have to diffuse this before he starts asking questions. “Tyler,” I say, setting my coffee cup on the counter, “come here. I want you to meet somebody.”

  Tyler hesitantly leaves Tom’s side to join me and I kneel down to his level. “This is my friend Matt,” I tell him quietly, instantly hating myself for the lie. Every bone in my body is screaming at me to introduce Matthew as my son’s father.

  Very slowly, Matthew kneels beside me. “Hello, Tyler,” he whispers thickly, his wide eyes taking in every detail about our son. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  As I expected, Tyler reverts into his shy mood, sliding closer to me as though seeking protection. “Hi,” he whispers, pressing himself into my side.

  Matthew smiles sadly. “I like your shirt,” he says, gesturing to the t-shirt Tyler is wearing with the Batman emblem. “I’m a big Batman fan myself.”

  Tyler smiles shyly. “He’s cool.”

  Chuckling, Matthew nods. “That he is,” he agrees, looking at me with an expression that tells me having this conversation is a dream come true for him. “Maybe later we can watch one of the movies.”

  I smile fondly at the two of them, knowing this will be the icebreaker that brings them together. I’ve daydreamed about how they might interact, knowing Matthew can be the perfect playmate for a small child just as easily as he could run his company. Glancing back at Tom, I see an expression of extreme annoyance appear on his face as he watches Matthew interact with his son. Something tells me it’s going to be a very long flight.