Free Young Lies (Young Series Book 1) by W.R. Kimble

targeting to radar to children’s toys. It’s because of the diversity of his development that makes him one of the top defense contractors in the world and as one of the top, he’s often targeted by other companies and organizations.
    “Tom says we’re going to New York,” I eventually whisper, desperately needing a slight change of topic.
    Matthew nods. “Yes.”
    “Why?”
    He gives me a don’t be stupid look. “Because I need to get back and at least this way, I know you’re safe,” he says plainly. “I can’t diffuse the trouble from here and I’ll be able to work better knowing where you are.”
    Knowing we’ll be closer to him is both a relief and nerve-wracking. At a time like this, I know our best option is to be wherever Matthew is until the threat passes. On the other hand, I know being in such close proximity to my ex will cause a hundred other problems ranging from my feelings towards him to a severe increase in Tom’s grumpiness. Then of course there’s Tyler. He’s an inquisitive little boy and I won’t be able to hide the truth about Matthew from him for long. He’s seen pictures of his father, heard stories, and it’s only a matter of time before his brain connects all that information with the stranger who’s suddenly at our side almost constantly. I want them to know each other almost more than anything, but I never wanted it to happen like this, when we’re essentially running for our lives.
    A hand tentatively resting on mine jolts me out of my thoughts. “You okay?” he asks.
    I look up and find he’s leaned closer to me, close enough that I can faintly smell his cologne. That’s more of a comfort than anything so far. “I’m fine,” I say, unable to pull my hand from his even though I know I should. He takes the opportunity to wrap his fingers around mine and instantly I feel warmer than I have in years. “What did you say to Tom?” I blurt the question so suddenly that I didn’t even realize I was going to ask until I did.
    His brow furrows, possibly in confusion over the abrupt change of subject. “Nothing special,” he says quietly, sitting back in his chair again. I notice immediately he hasn’t released my hand. “Basically that he needs to stop being such a dick when all I’m trying to do is help. That I’m doing this because I have no other choice than to interfere in your lives.”
    My body seizes at his words. I know deep down he doesn’t mean it the way I think he means—that he doesn’t want to be part of our lives, but since he got us involved, he feels he needs to fix things before we all go back to our normal lives—but it’s affecting me more than I want to admit. My hand goes limp in his and I slowly remove it from his grasp, uncertain whether the shadow that crosses his face is disappointment and hurt or relief. “Well,” I hear myself saying, “once this is over, you’ll never have to hear from us again.”
    Matthew immediately sits up straight, turning to face me fully. “Sam...” His tone is almost begging as he realizes how I interpreted his words. “That’s not—”
    “Hey, Matt, did you---”
    We both look up as Leo steps out onto the balcony. He stops and looks between us in surprise. “Oh, sorry, Sam. I didn’t realize you were awake.”
    “It’s fine,” I say hastily, taking this opportunity to make my escape. “I need to get some sleep anyway.” Before either of them can stop me, I slip through the doors and practically sprint to the bedroom, desperately trying to hold back the tears.
    -------------o-------------
    As dawn approaches, I slip out of bed before Tom and Tyler wake up, and head for the bathroom for a shower. I don’t want anyone to see that I’ve spent the last several hours silently crying or that I didn’t get any sleep. It’s going to be a frighteningly long day with explanations to Tyler and tra veling with Matthew to face without having to explain why I’m a crying mess. I came to the decision