Free Twisted Lies (Dirty Secrets) by Sedona Venez

strenuous trying to keep them apart. Jade hated Tabitha’s biting, acidic personality, and Tabitha resented Jade’s privileged lifestyle. I was stuck in the middle of a pointless fight.
    Why can’t they just get along?
    Jade drummed her manicured nails on the countertop. “And you’re a stubborn ass who refuses to listen. I’ve seen the way she looks at you. It’s creepy, like The Silence of the Lambs creepy. It’s like she wants to rip off your skin and wear it like a fucking fur coat.”
    I snapped my head up, refusing to laugh at her joke. “I’m not even talking about this right now, Jade.”
    “Okay, well, let’s talk about the mystery investor who she hooked you up with. How did the meeting go last night?”
    I hesitated. Damn! She’s got me on this one. “You won the bet. He didn’t show up. He had an emergency meeting.”
    She smugly looked at me. “Uh-huh. First, let’s deal with what I get for winning the bet.” She swayed toward the racks of clothing and pulled out the leather dress I’d worn last night. “I’ll take this in cream and make it tight. I have a movie premiere next week, and I need to look smoking hot.” She winked at me. “Oh, and you’re coming as my guest. Feel free to sex it up with your outfit.”
    I rolled my eyes. “Anything else, Queen Jade?”
    “Yes.” Her eyes narrowed. “I call bullshit on that meeting last night. Either Tabitha is a fucking liar, or that investor is a shady fucker. I say yes to both.”
    My fists tightened. I knew exactly where she was going with this, and I didn’t like it. “What do you want me to say, Jade? Money and family don’t mix, so I couldn’t take money from you.”
    Jade crossed her arms. “Couldn’t or wouldn’t?”
    “Wouldn’t. I know it would have been a loan, but it just didn’t feel right.” I paused, struggling with the words. “You’ve been right by my side through the shitstorm of my life. I love you for that and for…well, being you. I don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t have you in my life, kicking me in the ass when I wanted to give the hell up, but sink or swim, I need to make this deal happen on my own.” I bit my bottom lip. “Do you understand where I’m coming from?”
    Jade sighed heavily before walking over to me and grabbing my hands. “I understand more than you think. You’re a strong woman, Sin. If I weren’t around, you would have survived.” Tears spilled down her cheeks. “I can’t say the same thing for myself. You’re my anchor. I wouldn’t even be here if you hadn’t walked into that restroom that day.”
    I sniffled. “Shit! Now you’re going to make me cry ugly tears.”
    Before that fateful day, I hadn’t been a big believer in luck or that stupid fucking saying, “Everything happens for a reason.” Then I’d walked into that high school restroom, and I’d seen a girl, Jade, lying on the floor with a needle stuck in her forearm. The EMT had said I saved her life. From that day forward, we’d become unlikely friends, tethered together by tragedy and fate. We pushed each other further. Our friendship tightened, creating a perfect synergy unmatched by any other relationship to date. We were an unstoppable team who stuck by each other no matter how rough the circumstances.
    “It’s no secret that I had a drug problem,” Jade said. “You dragged me from the pits of hell when the lure of drugs had nearly drowned me. I almost died, but you saved me. You’re not my best friend, Sin. You’re my sister, and what is mine is yours. That’s keeping it as real as it gets.”
    I playfully tugged her hair. “Why can’t I stay mad at you?”
    She gave me a hundred-watt smile. “Because I’m charismatic and beautiful.” She hugged me quickly before pouring herself some coffee. “Tell me what else happened last night at The McKay Club. Did you see anything wickedly dirty that I can add to my sex position to-do list?”
    I snorted. “Like you need help with