Read Locked Away (Living With Lies Book 2) for Free Online Page A

something...anything, but he remains quiet until I turn to leave the room.
    “I’m sorry,” he softly says.
    My eyes thin. “For what?”
    Kiran sighs. “For making you feel unwelcome.”
    I bite my lip, pondering what I should say. I didn’t leave because of Kiran, or at least not solely because of him, but that doesn’t change the fact that he was beyond rude to me yesterday.
    “I went out today because I was sick of being stuck in this house doing nothing all day. Contrary to what you believe about me, I do have a life and it includes doing a lot more than just sitting on my ass day in and day out.”
    “I’m sorry. I never meant to imply—”
    “Yes you did, and that’s okay. I’m used to it. I’ll admit...I thought things would be different here, but it’s fine. You have your world and I don’t belong in it. I’ll get back to mine as soon as possible.” I walk out of the kitchen without Kiran saying another word. When I make it to my room, I pull out my phone and go straight to the site I’ve saved in my favorites.
    I click around until I find what I’m looking for.
     
    Ms. Bello,
    Unfortunately, we can’t allow you to start late. If you’re unable to turn in your first assignment by the deadline, then I recommend that you take the semester off.
    You can contact our registration office to withdraw.
    Sincerely,
    Janet Wilson,
    Student Affairs
     
    My heart sinks. I wish I had some idea how long I’ll be stuck in this godforsaken place.
    My father thinks I’m weak, and the reason I know this is because that’s exactly how he treats me. It was too dangerous for me to attend school. For that reason, I was homeschooled along with the helps’ children. My best friend—my only real friend—happens to be Manuel, the son of Miguel Ramos, my father’s second in command.
    Manuel is only a year older than I am and almost all of my childhood memories include him. To be honest, he’s the reason I don’t completely hate my life in Poza Rica.
    When I turned eighteen, I had every intention to go to college. However, Daddy shot down my plans without a second thought. Damian has tried to make the world forget he has a child—one that could be used as leverage if the situation presented itself. As a result, he refuses to allow my name to circulate for no real reason . That was the first day I walked out of Damian’s office with a shattered heart. A few hours later, Manuel found me and promised to help.
    Thanks to Manuel and a fake ID, I enrolled in an online college. I won’t be able to claim my education after I graduate, but I’m still earning it.
    Damian has provided me with a lavish lifestyle, but I want more for myself than his money can provide. He pays men to do nothing but watch my every move. Luckily, my full-time babysitters watch me from a safe distance and never look too deep into what I’m actually doing.
    I’ve learned the skill of working around Damian’s men when I need to, but I wouldn’t have made it as far as I have without Manuel.
    Like Callie and Kate, my classes are about to begin. Without my computer and dedicated time, there’s no way I can start, but I hate to withdraw until I’m positive that Damian isn’t going to sweep in and take me home.
    In the meantime, I’m going to hope for something I never thought I would: to return to Poza Rica, and soon.
    ****
    The next morning, I hear the house come alive. Callie was talking rather loudly, and judging from the sounds and smells, I think the four of them got up and had breakfast.
    I waited until the house quieted before I got up then went downstairs for something to drink. By the looks of it, I think I’m home alone. I round the bottom of the stairs without seeing anyone until I walk into the kitchen and spot Kiran sitting at the table with a laptop open in front of him.
    Tentatively, I stop wondering if he spotted me yet, but he quickly turns his head toward me.
    “Good morning,” he says in a chipper voice that sends my