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Jonathan glided his finger on Lydia’s cheek. “You don’t find me attractive?”
Lydia shoved him, grossed out just by touching him. “Get my sister out here now.”
“Calm down. Let’s get to know each other better.”
“No—”
“Why do you travel so much?”
She jerked. “What?”
“Is it because you need to run away from something? Is that how it’s been for you your whole life?”
“You don’t know a damn thing about me.”
He did a slight nod. “Deidra told me some things, and I gathered my knowledge from that. I get you don’t like to face your problems.”
Her shoulders dropped.
“That it’s easier to travel so you don’t have to deal with what’s going on at home. Like what, your relationship with Dee or how inadequate you’ve always felt compared to her?”
“Who the hell do you think you are?”
“That’s it isn’t it, Lydia?” He walked around her in a circle while sprouting his bullshit. “You’re jealous of Dee and always have been. Always thought you couldn’t live up to your big sister.” He stopped in front of her. “Or do you not like people having expectations of you because you’ll never measure up? I’d love to analyze you closer.” He pinched her chin. “Maybe I can help you figure things out.”
She slapped his hand away. “Get Dee out here or I’ll fuck up this entire garden.”
“There’s a daybed over that way.” He pointed to the trail leading through the bushes. “It’s very comfortable.” He snatched her hand, causing her to gasp. “Let’s go over there and get more acquainted.”
“That’s it.” She broke free. “Dee is leaving with me today! I don’t give a damn what you do.”
“She’s not going anywhere.” His eyes caressed her curves. “I want you. Let’s talk about that.”
“It’ll never happen. You’re pathetic. What’s the end goal with The Circle? Just to get as many women as you want?”
His tongue peeked from between his lips. “To rule the world, sweetheart.”
She tossed her hair back as she turned to leave. “I’m coming back with the police.”
“I want you to stay.” He jumped in front of her, taking her hands. “Get to know me. We can relax and have snacks—”
She struggled to loosen her hands from his grip. “You think women were put on this earth to please you?”
“I had it the other way around.” He laughed. “I want to please you. Trust me.” He leaned in, winking. “I don’t mind doing most of the work.”
She got her hands free and slapped him. “Let my sister go, you bastard.”
He moaned, rubbing his cheek. “Are you this feisty in bed?”
She raised her hand to slap him again, and he grabbed her. “Let me go.” She tried to pull away. “Get your hands off me.”
“What are you so afraid of?”
“Let go of me.” She fidgeted. “I’ll have the cops here so fast.”
“They can’t do anything because I’ve done nothing.”
“You got your damn hands on me and won’t let go.” She tugged. “That’s assault.”
“It’s not assault.” He clamped his arm around her waist. “It’s a pass.” He forced her wriggling body still, kissing her fast as if intent on receiving full pleasure before she pushed him away.
“Asshole,” she grumbled with her lips against his. “Get the fuck off!” She slapped him again. “Dee!”
He grabbed her hand again, yanking her in the direction of the daybed. “Let’s talk a little—”
“Let go of me!” She hit him in the face. “Dee!”
“Ow.” He let her go, laughing. “Calm down. It’s just sex. Is this about Cam? It’s not like he has to find out.”
“Fuck you.” She pushed him and ran toward the path. “Dee!”
“Lydia?” Dee scurried from around plants and came into view.
Jonathan wiped Lydia’s lipstick from his mouth.
“Dee!” Lydia ran into her arms.
“Lydia.” Dee returned the embrace, adding a kiss to Lydia’s cheek. “I missed you.”
Lydia shivered, glancing at Jonathan.
“What’s wrong?” Dee examined Lydia’s face. “You’re shaking.”
“This man is a monster and a pig.” Lydia pointed at Jonathan. “He made a pass at me. Said he wants to sleep with me.”
Dee looked at Jonathan. “Lydia, you must be mistaken.”
“I’m not.” Lydia charged Jonathan, thrusting her hands in his face. “What the hell did you do to her? How dare you?”
“Lydia.” Dee grabbed her, holding her arms. “This is my life now. You’re like Winston, Lisa, Jake, none of you understand me.” She hugged Jonathan. “Only Jonathan does.”
“You won’t get away with this, Jonathan.” Lydia sniffled. “Dee, with the way you are now you might as well be dead.”
“Lydia.” Dee moved back, squinting. “How can you say something so horrible?”
“How can you pick this man you haven’t even known a year over your friends and over me?”
“I didn’t pick him over anyone.” Dee stuck out her neck. “I want Jonathan and all of you in my life.” She grabbed Lydia’s hands. “Just open your mind.”
“Give it a chance, Lydia.” Jonathan smiled. “You might want to become a part of the family too.”
“Let’s go.” Lydia pulled Dee away from Jonathan. “Come on. Enough of this.”
Dee tussled, freeing herself. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Get your ass over here.” Lydia grabbed Dee’s hand again.
“Jonathan.” Dee batted her eyes at him.
“Lydia.” Jonathan got in between them. “This isn’t happening.”
“Move.”
“She doesn’t wanna go.” He grabbed Dee, pushing her behind him.
“I’m your sister,” Lydia screamed at Dee. “I love you more than anyone else on this earth, and we’re all we have now.”
“You noticed?” Dee stepped from behind Jonathan. “You’ve been running around the world and now family is important?”
Lydia wiped a tear from her lips. “You and Daddy always meant everything.”
“Is that why you didn’t come to his funeral?”
“Wow.” Lydia exhaled, sniffling. “How can you throw that in my face?”
“I love you, Lydia.” Dee touched her sister’s cheek. “But The Circle is my family now too.”
“You’re not getting way with this.” Lydia pushed Jonathan and marched toward the trail.
“Lydia?” Jonathan spoke as she continued walking. “Have dinner with us tonight.”
“Go to hell!” She walked through the garden and a full-figured, blonde woman approached.
“You’re Lydia.” The woman rocked, cutting her eyes toward the shrubs. “I’m Rena. Dee’s in trouble.”
“Duh.” Lydia passed her.
“I’m serious.”
Lydia stopped, exhaling.
Rena’s face crinkled with worry. “Jonathan’s obsessed with your sister and he’ll do anything to keep her here.”
“What did he do to her?”
“You have to get her out of here.” Rena massaged her shaking hands. “He’s going to take Dee to Wales.”
“Fuck that. He can’t take my sister anywhere.”
“He will. Lydia, if you let Jonathan take Dee out the country you’ll never see her again.”
Lydia closed her eyes, slapping her hand over her quivering mouth.