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It feels very different when the anger is fueled by betrayal.
Maybe it was me. Maybe I'm the one that misunderstood everything. Maybe in his world, people understand that you can have a casual yet intimate relationship when you're engaged to be married.
Maybe in his world, commitment doesn't mean anything.
But in my heart, I know that isn't true.
The reason why I fell in love with this family is because of how loyal they are. Because they love each other.
My throat gets strangely tight when I think about Sergio. When I think about the future I imagined we had together.
My cheeks flame when I realize it was all in my head. Innocent Eden, ignorant of the ways of the world.
I have been a fool. A naïve fool.
I walk to my room and gather my belongings to take with me. I don't want to take the clothes that they bought me, but obviously I have to wear something, so I take only a few things.
I have enough money now to buy whatever I want. There was a time when that would've made me happy.
I know how to make myself inconspicuous. Invisible.
I know how to make myself small. It was a skill I once thought I would learn to put behind me.
But I need it now.
I leave a note for Quinn.
I leave the clothes he gave me. The phone. The jewelry.
I leave through the same door I came in.
* * *
CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE
Sergio
I hate leaving Eden.I don’t like knowing that she’s vulnerable, but I know the only way she’ll be safe forever is if I do what I have to.
I briefly wonder if she’ll ever forgive me—but sometimes it’s better to ask forgiveness than permission, and I’ll ask no one’s permission to end the life of the man that abused my woman.
He deserves to feel the same pain, suffering, and fear that she did. I’m not a religious man, but I like to think there’s a special place in Hell for men like him.
“Give me the specs.”
Timeo’s on the line. Mario is home, situated in his family headquarters at The Castle. He loves getting back into the thick of things, and I can hear the excitement in his voice. He’s discovered the villains, and he’s fucking pissed.
"Okay dude, so this is no group of wilting flowers. There's easily a hundred of them, secure and well-hidden, all under the pretense of being a religious community, but it’s super fucking clear they’re working for someone—cartel, looks like.”
Timeo curses. “Makes sense. They operate under the guise of a cult so they can hide illegal activities. Cops and FBI have to stay away from groups like theirs. Law enforcement can’t infiltrate an organization with a closed and secretive structure. They shield everything, hide it under the pretense of religion."
“Not a really bad idea, if you think about it…”
"Mario," I growl.
"Just saying. I know, I know. Sorry."
Timeo continues. "They get people’s loyalty and devotion to their cult, then the cartel can make them do anything. They have charismatic leaders, people that follow blindly…"
