Chapter 198: Misery
(JERICHO)
"This is hard to believe, Jericho. I’m not even surprised that you don’t believe me. But trust me when I tell you that I really wanted to help Arlo. I knew that it was risky and unwise to take the position, mostly because I’m a Sawyer. But I have been on the run for six years. I have always avoided anything to do with the mafia because I was terrified that my brother and my father would find me."
I glance at him skeptically. "And yet you somehow ended up living in the home of one of the powerful members of the Triple Triads? That seems so far-fetched."
"I know, but that is the truth. As I told you, Arlo was unraveling and Miles was worried about him. Miles looked like he’d strangle me if I turned him down. So, I thought that maybe I’d stay for a short while and show Arlo the best that I could. I figured that once he was more confident about handling baby Reign, then I’d leave. I thought no one would learn that I’m a Sawyer, and so, I decided to help Arlo."
"I’m sorry, Wesley. But I’m still not buying the saint act." I say drolly.
"Oh, I’m no saint, Jericho." He narrows his gaze. "I never once said I was."
Our gazes meet and I feel a familiar rush of need fill me. I force my gaze away, angry at myself that despite all he has done, I am still attracted to him. "You lied about the baby thing too?" I ask harshly. I think that it is best if I stay angry at him. It helps to keep the need at bay.
"No." he says quietly, face flushing and he looks away.
"Who knows, Wesley? Maybe you just pulled that stunt to get my sympathy. God! I can’t believe that I fell for the act. You looked so sad and gutted that you couldn’t have babies of your own." I let out a jagged laugh. "I bet you found it funny that I truly wanted to comfort you."