Lingering Desire

"Distressed," I repeat with a highly bitter, awkward laugh, blatantly lying directly to Ryker's face. I desperately pray he buys the pathetic excuse tumbling out of my mouth. "No, not distressed. Just... weird dreams, you know? More horrific nightmares about my time in London."

The lie tastes absolutely foul and bitter on my tongue, but it is infinitely easier than admitting the blinding truth. I