Chapter 2

Patrick frowned. "Someone else bought them for you? What did you do? Leticia Fletcher, you're my girlfriend! Not some—"

Whatever he'd been about to call me, he thought better of saying it when he saw the look I gave him.

"I know, but they're just a few bottles. If it bothers you that much, you can pick up the tab. Since you're my boyfriend and all," I shot back. "You and Sierra are connected. What, do you share a bank account, too?"

Patrick pinched the bridge of his nose, looking exasperated. "I knew you were jealous again. But you've seen what happens between Sierra and me."

He was referring to the notes I'd found showing that he kept Sierra updated on everything he did, practically around the clock. He'd even kept track of how many times he'd spoken to me and how often we'd touched.

And beneath every entry was a message from Sierra. Sometimes, she'd write, "You're not allowed to talk to her more than ten times tomorrow."

Or, "You did well today. I'll let you have dinner with her tomorrow."

Patrick had followed every one of her instructions.

When I tried to break up with him, he held me tight and refused to let me go. Then, Sierra showed up downstairs, tears streaming down her face.

"What happened? Why are you so upset?" she demanded. "I was watching a comedy, and you had me crying through the whole thing."

Patrick and Sierra had planned the whole thing together, keeping me in the dark and making a complete fool of me.

By then, we'd finished all the drinks on the table. But Sierra was still pestering Patrick, refusing to go home.

"I'm not done drinking! If you won't come with me, I'll go by myself. Then I'll find some random guy and sleep with him. Maybe then you'll know what it feels like to have another man put his hands on you!"

Just like that, Patrick was about to give in.

I watched them put on their little act. A beat later, I said coldly, "If you go with her, we're done."

"Lettie, do you really have to put me in this position?"

Without a word, I turned, hailed a cab, and got in.

Patrick sighed, but in the end, he chose to follow me.

…

On the way home, Patrick tried to smooth things over. "Don't be mad, Lettie. If I weren't connected to her, she could drink herself into the ground for all I care. But you're different. I hate seeing you upset."

His words did nothing to sway me. I had a feeling he wasn't going to come home with me so easily.

Sure enough, halfway there, Patrick clutched his chest, sweat breaking out across his forehead.

"It hurts! It hurts so bad! Lettie…"

A bitter smile tugged at my lips. I'd seen it coming, but my heart still sank anyway. He really was a good actor—no wonder he'd kept me fooled for so long.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"I'm fine… Lettie, something must have happened to Sierra! It could be a matter of life and death. I have to go check on her."

I pretended to be concerned. "Do you need me to come with you?"

Patrick kissed me on the forehead and said, "It could be dangerous. I don't want you getting hurt. Go home and wait for me, okay?"

Having said that, he quickly flagged down another cab and left.

I put a hand to my chest, feeling my heart race. Then, I told the driver to follow Patrick's cab.