Free A Masterpiece Unraveled (The Masterpiece Trilogy Book 2) by Nikki Lynn Barrett Page A

the lies from everyone." She shot Hunter a frown at that statement, too. "If you loved me for me, you'd be able to understand what I'm telling you right now."
    "I do care for you," Vince said after Hunter finished.
    "There's a difference between caring and love," Hunter chimed in, immediately regretting it. He knew as well as Becca that Vince had ulterior motives. That much was obvious. "Why do you want to be with Becca so much anyway?"
    "I can't talk about it."
    For the first time since he'd met the man, Hunter noticed how uncomfortable Vince got all of a sudden. He shifted his weight from side to side. He fidgeted. Vince couldn't look Becca in the eye.
    "Then I have nothing more to say to you. Enjoy your life, Vince." Becca stumbled away to the bedroom, closing the door with an echoing thud.
    "I don't think I have to interpret what she just said for you to get the hint that Becca isn't staying with you," Hunter said, facing the man. He wasn't even gloating. He just wanted Vince to either say what he wanted or get the hell out.
    "She'll be back. One day, Becca will see the light. You just better not hurt her in the meantime," Vince warned, stomping toward the door. He jerked it open and looked back at Hunter. "There's a reason for everything, Hunter." Vince left him flabbergasted, wondering about the comment.

    *****

    Becca wasn't getting a decent signal at all with the Internet connection. She had the laptop open and ready to search, but apparently technology had other plans. With an eye roll and shake of her head, she put the device down on the bed and closed her eyes.
    A few weeks ago, all she wanted to do was head to the island, find her friend and hope for the best. She never expected for Hunter to love her back, never anticipated an unknown enemy, and sure as heck didn't expect to be on the verge of losing her mind.
    A soft rap at the door brought her back to full alert. She opened her eyes and sat up. Hunter opened the door, peeking his head in. "Just me. Vince is gone. I don't know what that was all about, but I'm going to make a guess he knows whatever your grandparents do." He entered the room and moved slowly toward the bed. Regret and sadness flashed in his eyes. He glanced down. Becca followed his gaze. The laptop. He sat beside her, studying her face.
    "I was going to start searching, but the connection is weak," she explained.
    "How about first thing tomorrow, I make the call and get the investigator right on it? We don't have a whole lot to go on, so this could be a rough start, but I'm sure if he digs into your parents' past, we might have something. I just need to be sure you're okay and ready for whatever comes up." He brushed her hair away from her face. This time, Becca didn't flinch. She didn't fail to notice the relieved expression cross his face.
    "I need to know. Everyone else seems to know but me. I don't want secrets."
    "I agree and understand. I just wanted to double check. Whatever it is, your grandparents and Vince are adamant about keeping from you. I've got this feeling it's going to be ugly."
    So did she, but the comments from earlier wouldn't stop plaguing her mind.
    "It's settled then."
    She nodded. Ugh, she was so tired of just nodding all the time! Stupid voice, just come back already!
    "What isn't settled is what happened with us tonight."
    Again, the regret in his eyes ate at her. For a brief second, she almost felt bad for Hunter, even though he'd taken the journal and tossed it without a second thought to her. He didn't have the right!
    "I can apologize until I'm blue in the face, but I keep messing up. At the moment, I thought it was the best thing to do. I reacted to your response and I didn't think about what you wanted. Just..." Hunter sighed and raked a hand through his hair. "I went through those pages time after time myself. There's nothing. Still, I should have let you deal with it. Hell, Bec ... I don't know what I'm doing anymore." He turned away for a while.
    The only sound