Thirty five

ISHTAR

I didn't want to tell him exactly what I heard from Reiss in the hopes that he'd come out clean and tell me that truth about himself. I thought I could do it, share a roof with him for the good of it, and act like we didn't know each other, but that one night had changed everything. It wasn't easy for me to pretend anymore.

I stared at him, and he stared back, loosening his tie as he prepared to tell me the truth, although I hoped it really was. I couldn't help but wonder what else he was hiding. The silence of the house was sharp enough to sting us, and my tagged breathing filled my ears. I was impatient and ready to leave even though I wasn't sure where. I'd survive. I always did.

"The truth…Ishtar," he paused, then heaved a broken sigh. "You're right. I've not been completely honest with you, and it's for a reason I'm hoping you'd understand."

I'd understand. I was pretty sure of it. I didn't dare to take my eyes off me, as though it helped me understand this enigma of a man