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The raw anguish twists his handsome features, adding to my turmoil, but I’m determined to stand my ground. He takes a tentative step closer.
“Then explain.”
He jerks to a stop, hearing my cold tone like a wall thrust between us.
“And don’t you lie to me.”
We remain locked in a strange bubble, searching for fragments of trust to hold onto.
“Mr. Lawson, your head of security is here. He wants to talk,” Ron interrupts us.
“Where is he?”
“Outside.”
“I’ll be there in a minute.” When Ron leaves, Mark turns around to face me.
“I’ll tell you everything.” Mark steps closer. His hands rise to touch me, but I shift away from him. “But you have to promise me not to run.” His eyes darken with rejection, but I won’t put up with bullshit anymore even if my heart’s breaking
watching him in pain.
He struggles with fear etched deep in his soul, but I refuse to be kept in the dark. He needs to tell me the truth and let me decide what I’ll do with it.
“I won’t,” I promise and he leaves.
Once we’re left alone, I lock my accusing gaze on my brother-in-law. “You said you want to talk about something. What is it?”
“Cassandra.” Leif closes his eyes, rubbing his face in apprehension.
“Was it about Mark?” I snap, wounded. “Do you want to tell me the whole truth or drip-feed me with snippets like a bird?” I’m frustrated with him for being such an ass about Mark and keeping so many secrets from me.
“I guess it’s not my place anymore . . .”
My eyes narrow as I watch him shift on his feet.
“He promised to tell you everything. I won’t get in between you two.”
I snort at that.
“I thought you were a genuine one, that I could trust you. But you aren’t and I can’t, can I? What’s happening, Leif, why are you keeping me in the dark?”
Leif, seeing my frustration bordering on bitterness, grasps my elbow and leads me farther to the corner.
“I know you’re mad. You want to know everything right now. But some truths are harder to tell because they aren’t easy to understand. So have patience because we’re looking out for you. We’re family, Cassandra.”
“I know,” I whisper, tilting my head and looking him straight in the eye. “But lately, this family’s playing a game I never knew I was part of. You’re standing in my way of happiness.”
He straightens his back, and his nostrils flare, a glint of annoyance entering his eyes.
“You aren’t the brother who stood by my side, who helped me raise my children, or who gave me comfort after we lost Logan. No, you are the man who isn’t ready to give me away.”
“That’s not true.” He looks away from me, shifting uncomfortably on his feet.
“You took on the mission to help me. I’m so damn grateful you did. It’s you who kept me afloat, dragged me out of the abyss. You took care of my children like they were yours.”
“Hey, kitten, let’s not do this.”
I squeeze his biceps until he shuts up and lets me finish.
