AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It was dark by the time Leo pulled into my driveway, but I could still see the mounds of dirt that were the only evidence of my once beautiful rose bushes.
I hesitated, not sure what to say to Leo after all of that.
“So, they are all dating the same woman?” Leo said, breaking the silence.
“Yes. The Maddens are all with Elsie, I believe Connor and Declan are also together too and Anatoly, Gabriel and Mikhail are all with Rosslyn. Gabriel and Mikhail also have a relationship together.” I replied cautiously.
“Interesting.” He replied before he looked at me.
“Are you ready to tell me the details about what happened in your past for those men to be so angry toward you?” He said and I sighed.
“No but then I don’t think I ever will be. For your safety, I suppose you should know.” I took a deep breath as I prepared to share with him the kind of woman I truly was.
The monster I had been.
“Mikhail was kept under constant guard as payment for a debt that Gabriel incurred with the bratva. I was his handler and keeper. I gave them their orders, their assignments and such. Anatoly’s brother… his name was Yuri.” I said, hating how much my voice trembled saying his name.
“He was killed. At the time, I was led to believe that his death was Mikhail’s fault, and I was so full of rage and hate that I took it out on him.” I said, guilt flowing through me as I remembered all the times, I punished him.
“Yuri was the man you loved,” Leo stated and I nodded.
“Yes. The day before his death, he had proposed to me. I went to Ivan because we had been dating in secret and asked for his permission to be with him. At the time, I was promised to another man in Moscow.” I paused, taking a few deep breaths to steady my emotions.
“Ivan said he was okay with it, but what I didn’t know was Yuri was working with the government at the time and Ivan found out. He had him killed and used Mikhail as the excuse. The day I found that out, was the day I killed Ivan.” I said, looking at Leo.
“So, you see, I am not a good person. I am not someone who needs to be saved. I am the bad person in all of this, and I have a lot to make up for. I don’t deserve love after the things I have done.” I choked on a laugh, hating the emotions swirling through me.
“Everyone deserves to be loved, Rina.” He said softly then smiled.
“I have a fight tomorrow night. Will you come to support me?” His change of subject was so abrupt, and I realized it was deliberate.
He wasn’t pushing me, letting me collect myself and giving me space.
“Sure. I’ll come.” I said and he nodded.
“Great. I’ll see you in the morning.” He said before taking my hand and kissing the back of it.
“There is no pressure, but tonight, let yourself imagine what it could be like if you let others in. Small steps.” He added and let my hand go.
I got out of the car, watching him leave before I glanced at my neighbor’s house. Still dark. I guess he wasn’t home yet to discover my latest gift.
I walked inside and considered Leo’s words. Could I let someone in? What would that mean for me? And who? Because if Leo’s words were anything to go by, I was pretty sure he was interested and then there was Riley.
It was too much to think about right now. I needed a hot shower and an early night.
I stared at the book on my nightstand, debating if I should read it or go to bed early when my phone rang.
I didn’t recognize the number, so I hesitated for a moment before answering.
“Hello?” I said and waited for a moment, thinking it was a prank call or someone trying to sell me something.
“Kit-Kat,” Riley said and I went still.
“Riley? I didn’t realize you had my number.” I said and I heard the muffled sound of something on the tv before it went quiet.
“Yes. You gave it to me when I was struggling with my Ma at home in case I needed help.” He said and I sat up, worried.
“Is everything okay? Do you need help?” I asked and he sighed.
