Between Truth & Lies: An Age Gap Romance (Rosavale Book 2) Read online

  “Why don’t you show Belvana around the house,” Talon said, moving away from Navia. “I’ll help out with the furniture.” With that, he jogged to the truck.

  I bit back a laugh. There was barely anything in the truck that required four men to carry.

  “Come on,” Navia called, and I followed her inside.

  She seemed to be naturally friendly. And beautiful. My mother said she took after her father, one of the men she lived with for a while, but the red hair she inherited from our grandfather.

  There was little to no resemblance between us. Mom said I looked a lot like the women in my dad’s family except for the blonde hair and blue eyes that were all hers. I never met my father. He bailed right after mom told him she was pregnant and Mom never cared to go after him.

  “This house has only one bedroom. The larger ones we reserve for bigger families,” Navia explained. “But there’s a full bathroom, kitchen, living and dining area. Devan mentioned that you didn’t have much furniture so I figured, I’d add a bit to help until you got settled. Most of the things are from the main house so if you don’t like something, just let me know and I’ll have it removed.”

  “Did Devan ask you to do this?”

  “Yes. He wanted me to furnish the house but since he only told us last night, I put together what I could. I didn’t want you in an empty house.”

  “That’s very kind of you.”

  The guys started bringing in my things. Talon helped carry the stove and he didn’t seem to mind doing that kind of work.

  We stepped out of their way and Navia showed me the rest of the house. It was an open space with a u-shaped gray couch. The round dining table had four chairs that surrounded it and the curtains were a light shade of gray with white stripes that expanded to the wide kitchen area that had built-in appliances.

  The backyard was breathtaking. There was a wide array of various plants in different bright colors. The view was spectacular, and looking out over the green hill, beyond the fence I could see the main house.

  “Thoughts?”

  “It’s all great.” I grinned. “Better than what I could’ve done.”

  “Just a little heads up,” she said as we walked back inside. “Take care of that coffee table. I sort of stole it from Devan’s office. Well, it’s our home office but Devan uses it the most.”

  I looked at the table that was a tree trunk with a glass top sitting atop a circular rug. “I’ll make sure nothing happens to it. I feel so bad that you went through all of this trouble while you’re pregnant.”

  “It was nothing.” She waved me off. “Ethan and Talon did all the heavy lifting. I just gave out the orders.”

  She continued talking about how they moved all the things late into the night and my chest tightened. I was jealous of how she spoke about the Ashfords with such affection. Listening to her, I understood why she never turned against this family because of some anonymous notes from people who had abandoned her. The Ashfords took her in and cared for her in a way we didn’t. We never did anything for her but demanded so much.

  The next few hours passed in a blur as Navia chatted my ear off while helping me unpack. She mostly spoke about the baby and the house she and Talon were building. She could barely contain her excitement and it sort of bugged me how nice she was being to me. A stranger.

  Once everything was put away, I glanced around. It was the best house I’d ever lived in. Our apartment in the city was decent, but nothing compared to this.

  “I’m sorry for taking up so much of your time, it’s usually just me and Lola at the house so it’s refreshing to have someone else to talk to. But let me give you some space to get settled in. I’ve stocked up the fridge with basic stuff, but there’s a bodega not too far from here in case you need anything else.”

  “I’ll be fine. Thanks.”

  I was in awe of their hospitality. These people were supposed to be vain and stuck up and here they were helping me move.

  “It’s almost lunchtime and Lola must be waiting for us,” Talon said. “How about you join us, Belvana? I’m sure there’s plenty of food and Lola’s an amazing cook.”

  “Great idea,” Navia gasped, clasping her hands. “That way you don’t have to cook and I’ll have company.”

  “You’ve already done enough. I’ll fix myself something real quick.”

  “No way.” Navia grabbed hold of my hand.

  “Navia, listen.” I tried to be delicate but firm. “Let’s do it another time.”

  “I won’t leave here without you. Are you willing to let a pregnant woman starve?” She smiled sheepishly and rubbed her stomach.

  “You better give up.” Talon looked down at Navia with a twinkle in his eyes. “Navia usually gets what she wants.”

  Navia laughed. “C’mon Belvana. Let’s have lunch then you can come back to rest or whatever you want.”

  Mockingly, I rolled my eyes. “Fine. I surrender.”

  Talon locked up the house then handed me the keys and we walked to his car. I was sitting in the back seat as Talon drove to the mansion. I was nervous. I had only been there once when I snuck into Navia’s room and left a note on her bed. What would she say if she knew it was me? Or that we were sisters?

  Things were proceeding without me having to force anything. I would enter their family home as a guest. A wolf they invited in. I felt bad like I was the villain in this story even though Mom said I wasn’t. I told myself that I just wanted to take back what rightfully belonged to my family, but I couldn’t shake that bitter feeling inside of me. Fate seemed to be opening the doors for me, but it also filled me with doubts and guilt.

  “You’re going to be addicted to Lola’s food,” Navia said as we got out of the car and sauntered to the main house.

  “I’m looking forward to it.”

  My sister did all she could to make me feel comfortable. She showed me around. Their living room was simple but stunning with wooden furniture predominating the space. A huge table covered with white linen was set and people were sitting around it. My heart raced wildly when we stepped foot into their dining room.

  The first person I saw was Baron Ashford, occupying one of the seats at the end of the table in his wheelchair. Hate rose inside me as I looked into his eyes, much like Devan’s they were cold. Even with his wrinkled face, white hair, and in that chair, he didn’t look like a dejected man, but a relentless one. My grandfather’s murderer and the thief of our lands.

  Baron Ashford was our biggest enemy.

  He stared back and I averted my gaze to Aiden and Ethan who watched me curiously.

  “We convinced Belvana to have lunch with us.” Navia placed her hand on my back ushering me forward. “You remember Belvana, don’t you?”

  “How could we forget?” Ethan stood to shake my hand. He was the tallest and I had to crane my neck to see his face. “We hear you’re going to work in the office downtown.”

  “Yes. Your brother offered me a job.”

  “Welcome.” Aiden also came to greet me.

  “Thanks.”

  “This is Maggy, my father’s nurse, and family member,” Navia introduced the older lady. “And this is our father, Baron Ashford.”

  I forced a smile. “How are you, Mr. Ashford?”

  “Ham…,” he growled.

  “Dad has had health issues in the past, which has unfortunately resulted with him having some difficulties speaking,” Ethan explained.

  I pretended I didn’t know and continued smiling at the worthless man but he didn’t return the gesture.

  Lola embraced and kissed me on the cheeks as though she’d known me her whole life.

  I found it strange to sit at the table with them. They were my enemies and I was there with ulterior motives. Foreign sensations dominated me and it was a struggle to appear calm when everything inside me stirred. It only got worse when I heard footsteps and then Devan entered the room. He stopped short when he saw me. His eyes were concealed by sunglasses and I couldn’t fully grasp his reaction.

  My every sense focused on him and I didn’t see or hear anything else. I was completely and inexorably raptured. Devan removed his sunglasses and tapped them against his lips. His gaze had the power to take away my strength. Then he clenched his jaw with a certain nuisance as if noticing that I had crossed a predetermined line.

  “Devan, we were about to start without you,” Lola crooned, taking a seat at the table. “Come join us.”

  “I need to freshen up first. You might as well get started.” He beckoned his head in my direction. “I see that you’ve taken care of welcoming our newest guest.”

  His sarcastic undertone made me uneasy and I wanted to run away. To avoid him, I fumbled with the napkin.

  “I almost dragged Belvana here,” Navia quipped, probably noticing my discomfort. “I thought it would be nice to have the person over who rescued my brother from death.”

  Devan said nothing. But I could feel his eyes on me and eventually, he walked away.

  “Don’t take it personally,” Talon spoke. “Devan only does grumpy.”

  “If I’d known you’d be stopping by, I would have made something fancier.” Lola reached across the table and scooped up my plate. “Not to brag but my lasagna is one of the best in Rosavale.” She added a portion of the pasta onto the plate then handed it back to me.

  “Not bragging but the absolute truth,” Aiden agreed.

  Everyone helped themselves and although the mood had lightened the tightness in my chest persisted along with a crazy urge to flee.

  I peered at Baron. Regardless of the physical condition he was in, he still had his children close by, wealth, a big house, and all the comfort money could provide. Meanwhile, my grandmother was dying with cancer at the public hospital where we
struggled to keep up with the bills.

  This made me regain some of my determination. I reminded myself not to get too involved with any of them. Not even Navia who could win me over if I let her. Much less with Devan who seemed to have a special power over me.

  Devan

  It had been a surprise to find Belvana here. I should have expected Navia to invite her, but even so, it was a shock to get home and find those huge, soft blue eyes staring up at me from my dining room table.

  I couldn’t escape her. Not even in my home.

  Belvana barely moved, just enough to move the food around on her plate and I regretted having been rude to her. Knowing Navia, I was sure Belvana wasn’t to blame. Although I didn’t care much about what others thought of me, for some reason, I didn’t want to hurt that girl.

  To lessen the tension that returned when I sat at the table, I spoke with a tranquility that I was far from feeling. “Did you like the house, Belvana?”

  She whipped her head in my direction with a crease between her brows as if she was amazed that I spoke to her. “I did. I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to thank you for all you’ve done for me; and the way I was welcomed by your family.”

  Even at that table full of people, the attraction between us couldn’t be disguised. It was there, weighing in the air.

  “I’m loving having you here,” Navia exclaimed. “I’m always surrounded by men so it’s nice to have a girlfriend close by. I’ll show you the whole farm when you have time.” Navia patted her lips with a napkin. “It’s so beautiful here, you have no idea.”

  “Please take a car. Don’t forget that you’re pregnant so no riding around,” Talon cautioned.

  Navia rolled her eyes. “I’m taking care of myself, aren’t I?”

  “If you want, I’ll show you the farm,” Aiden suggested, shifting his chair closer to hers and I glared at him, but he didn’t even notice. All of his focus was on her.

  “I’d love that.” Belvana grinned from ear to ear. The smile seemed phony and exaggerated.

  “Can you ride?” Aiden asked.

  “Depends on what I’m riding,” Belvana answered. “But if you’re referring to horses then no.”

  She was flirting with him.

  I grasped my knife harder and jabbed it into the pasta on my plate grinding my teeth.

  “I can teach you how to ride,” Ethan joined the conversation. “Aiden’s probably talking about that noisy motorcycle of his. It’s not fun. Riding a horse through the fields is the best thing in life. You’ll feel the wind on your face and I think I have the perfect one for you.”

  “Noisy?” Aiden raised an eyebrow. “It’s a Harley Davidson and I can ride a horse as well as you or better.”

  Shaking his head, Ethan pursed his lips. “No. Not as well as me or Talon for the matter. Tell him Talon.”

  Talon chuckled. “I plead the fifth.”

  “I don’t,” Navia said. “If anyone should teach you to ride then it’s Ethan.”

  “As the beautiful lady said, it all depends on what she’ll be riding.” Aiden winked at her and Belvana’s cheeks turned a rosy pink.

  “But one lesson with me and you’ll be a pro in no time,” Ethan murmured, lowering the tone of his voice.

  I knew these assholes well enough to tell that they were both interested in her. This was part of their game. First, they disputed and then they shared. The thought of Belvana with my brothers caused an unexpected wave of rage to inundate my system, and I fought like a condemned man to contain myself.

  “Stop it you two,” Lola reprimanded.

  Belvana smiled at both of them then looked at me. The smile died on her lips when she found my expression. Dropping her head, she picked at her food with her fork. I didn’t know if she grasped what caused the grimace on my face because I couldn’t understand this unease myself. But one thing I was sure of: none of my brothers would touch her. I wouldn’t allow it.

  Lunch was torture and when it was over, Navia suggested they go out for a walk. However, Belvana, wisely, made up an excuse and promised to come back at another time then she turned to Lola and said, “This was the best lasagna I’ve ever tasted.”

  “Told you so,” Aiden chimed.

  “Thank you for your hospitality, but I really must get going.”

  “I’ll take you home,” Aiden offered.

  Belvana shook her head. “You don’t have to. It’s close by and I can walk.”

  “I insist. A damsel like you shouldn’t be wandering through these fields on her own.”

  Navia chuckled. “She’s not a damsel in distress and she won’t be wandering, she’ll be headed home.”

  “If you prefer better company, I’m at your service,” Ethan teased.

  I got tired of all that and pushed my chair back harshly and it screeched against the floor as I stood. “I’ll take Belvana home.”

  All heads turned to me in stunned silence. Even my father and his nurse. I think I spoke more aggressively than I should have. Aiden cleared his throat harshly to get my attention then flashed a knowing smirk like he’d figured me out. I ignored him.

  “Belvana…” I said.

  “Yes, right.” She also stood up, placing the napkin that was on her lap on the table. “It was a wonderful lunch and I had a wonderful time.”

  “My kitchen is always open to you,” Lola said. “I’ll be waiting for those spinach muffins you promised.”

  “After eating your food, I’m kind of intimidated.”

  Lola laughed. “You shouldn’t be, I’m sure they’ll be delicious.”

  Before leaving, Belvana thanked everyone again and Aiden’s smug smile was beginning to piss me off. I let Belvana walk in front of me as I turned my back on my family knowing that once I left, Belvana and I would be the center of their conversation.

  We exited the house and climbed down the veranda steps. When we reached the flagstone path that led to the complex, we sauntered side by side. I barely noticed my surroundings and was aware only of her and of the urge I had to hold her and plunder her mouth.

  “I shouldn’t have come,” she mumbled. “I’m sorry. Navia insisted and I… It won’t happen again. I don’t want you to think I’m taking advantage of your kindness.”

  “I’m not accusing you of anything.”

  “The way you looked at me said otherwise.”

  “I prefer if we have well-defined boundaries. My home is off-limits.”

  “I get it. I’ll stay out of your way.”

  Her tone made me feel bad but it was better that she felt unwelcomed. Belvana said nothing more and we walked several minutes like that, quiet, and too aware of each other’s presence. We arrived at the house and stopped in front of the gate.

  The gentle breeze rippled the long, silky strands of her hair. My fingers itched to touch them but I stepped back, creating more space between us. “If you need anything, come talk to me. Please limit contact with my family.”

  “I already have everything I need.” Her words were sharp. I don’t know if it was because of what I said or if it was how she felt about me. She opened the gate, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.

  She was too beautiful. I couldn’t blame my brothers for being interested. However, thinking of Aiden or Ethan touching her was enough for my irritation to return. “And about my brothers’ interest in you, I would like you not to encourage them.”

  Her eyes darkened as they narrowed. Her cheeks flushed and her expression became grave. “You don’t own me, Devan. Because you gave me this house and a job doesn’t give you the right to meddle in my life. I’m old enough to decide who I let into my bed. You and I have nothing. You made that very clear so don’t even try to control who I get involved with.”

  I was speechless for a moment because Belvana was right. I had no ownership of her.

  Furiously, she went through the open gate and marched to the house. I held onto the fence, watching her go but before doing something stupid, I spun on my heels and walked back home.

  All of my brothers were outside talking as if they were waiting for me and the conversation died when they noticed my presence.

  “What’s with the long face?” Navia pried.

  “Nothing,” I grumbled.

  “Is Belvana giving you trouble?” Aiden commented. He just couldn’t resist.