When Lies Unfold

Chapter 10

Monday morning

Better not be talking to anybody.

This isthe text that greets me when I wake up.

That asshole. Of freaking course, he got my number.

I don’t immediately respond, because I refuse to start my day like this. Especially before I’ve had my coffee.

My rear deck isn’t actually a deck or even a porch area. It’s more like a ledge separating the dense jungle and the steep terrain from my casita.

The narrow concrete border, however, is barely wide enough for a single chair and a tree stump I use as a little table.

Overlooking the lush, green jungle, I enjoy my morning coffee while toucans chatter and howler monkeys echo in the far distance. It isn’t until my second cup of coffee that my visitor arrives.

She’s stealthy as always, but her wild scent gives her away. Sleek black fur shimmers as she slinks toward me in her usual cautious manner.

Keeping my movements slow and non-threatening, I set my coffee on my little tree stump table. Then I patiently wait for her to inspect me until she gives a little purr and nudges her head against my leg.

“It’s good to see you, too.” Careful not to spook her in any way, I murmur this softly.

With the utmost gentleness, I pet the back of her neck where she likes it most. “Still feeling okay, Belleza?1?” Her purrs grow louder as I stroke her fur while casting a hard, inspecting look at her rear left leg.

About a year ago, during one of my hikes through the jungle, I heard the cry of a wounded animal. Once I ventured toward the sound and discovered this poor black puma?2—or panther—my heart plummeted, her injuries were so severe.

Her wounds indicated that she’d gotten caught up in a barbwire fence and her rear leg suffered the brunt of the injury.

Initially, she didn’t want to trust me. I knew I was running the risk of being mauled, but I couldn’t leave her in that state, especially in the jungle. There was a good chance her open wounds would’ve gotten infected and she’d have died.

Somehow, though, we decided to trust one another. She trusted me to help her, and I trusted her not to hurt or kill me. I spoke to her in a calm tone, much like I would a small child, while I applied medicine I had in my bag, and ripped part of my shirt to use as a bandage.

Never did I expect her to track where I lived and visit me. But she did. She let me check her wounds, then reapply medicine and a fresh bandage while I spoke to her as if she could understand me. Although, sometimes, I almost believe she does. Her eyes hold an odd sort of awareness, as though she’s a different kind of soul.

As much as I know I shouldn’t get attached, least of all to a wild animal, I couldn’t help myself. I named her Belleza because, although she’d been wounded and battered looking back then, I could tell she was a beauty.

“You came to visit me at the perfect moment,” I coo at her while petting her soft fur. “I definitely needed this. Yes, I did.” Her purrs grow louder, vibrating beneath her silky coat. “Is it bad that I wish you’d eat a certain bad man for me?”

She rubs her face against my knee as if to demand more petting, and my mouth curves into a smile. She’s such a unique creature. Still so wild and hesitant, but affectionate, too.

A scurrying sound nearby has her instantly alert, ears perked, eyes focused on whatever it might be in the shadowed jungle. “What is it?” I whisper.

As if to answer me in her own way, she gives my hand a little nudge before springing off and disappearing into the jungle.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t jealous of her. If I could be as elusive as she is and survive as easily, I’d choose to disappear there, too.

One thing is certain, though… Her visits always soothe me in some way. Because I’m at least doing something right if a wild, dangerous animal visits me after I’ve healed her.

Even after everything I did in my past, I like to think that maybe, just maybe, Belleza is a sign from the universe that I’m closer to redemption.

When my phone vibrates with a text notification, I can’t suppress a groan. Of course, he’s not going to leave me alone. Of course.

?

Waiting on an answer, Miss Arias.

When I save his number in my Contacts list under Supreme Asshole, it gives me a little boost. Then I type out:

No need to worry. See? My lips are sealed.

I take a selfie with my middle finger over my lips and attach it with another message.

And good morning to you, too. Yes, I slept well, thanks for asking.

For good measure, since this man aggravates me unlike any other, I send a smiley face emoji with ?Pura vida!?3 before I drop my phone in my lap with a satisfied smirk.

Within less than a minute, my phone vibrates with an incoming message, then another on its heels.

You’re testing my patience, Miss Arias.

Didn’t I tell you about that mouth of yours getting you into trouble?

After a few more fortifying sips, I feel better prepared to take him on.

Huh. And here I thought my mouth was one of my best features.

Instead of a near-immediate response this time, none comes. I wonder if he’ll decide to show up unannounced. Again.

Ugh. Please let that not happen. I can only tolerate so much assholery.

I finish half of my coffee before my phone vibrates with a text message notification.

You trying to get a compliment out of me?

I regard my phone warily, unsure how to respond when another text arrives.

Remember to stay away from the cop and keep that pretty mouth shut. We’ll be in touch.

Wait. He thinks my mouth is pretty?

As quickly as that thought strikes me, I tamp it down. Because what the hell? Evidently, I’m still programmed to attract toxic men. One would think I would’ve learned from my toxic, horrifying ex.

While I get dressed for the day, though, his final words linger, a nefarious whisper in the recesses of my mind.

We’ll be in touch.