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Her eyes are brimming with concern, and I snap, “You think you hurt me?”
I turn and snatch my hand away, laughing incredulously. “Let’s get one thing straight, stepmother.”
She winces as I stare at her with a deepening scowl. “You fucked my brothers, and you fucked me. You then went and fucked our father, and the next day did it all over again. You say you didn’t mean to hurt me. I’m guessing you say that to anyone who will listen because you’ve realized there is nobody left who has your back anymore. You’re frightened, scared, and clutching at straws just to stay relevant. In two days’ time, you will be homeless and probably forced to whore yourself out to the highest bidder.”
She shakes her head as if in distress, and I bark out a laugh. “Let’s not forget your so-called stepbrother who you moved in and fucked behind my father’s back.”
I advance slowly and back her against the wall and leaning down, hiss, “Well, bad luck baby, because the bastard is dead, and he won’t be the last corpse in this dark drama. I wonder who will be next?”
I glare at her and say roughly, “You perhaps? It will be interesting to find out.”
“Mario is dead?” Her eyes fill with tears that I disregard. “Don’t pretend you don’t know already because I’m not buying it. I heard about your involvement in his secret society, and it makes me hate you even more, you depraved, sadistic, fucking bitch.”
I turn away and she stops me by saying loudly, “You want to know about The Dark Lords? I’ll tell you.”
I stop and turn, noting her desperate eyes filled with glistening tears as she whispers, “I’ll tell you everything.”
She shakes her head sadly. “I’m not proud of myself, Leo, and I want to make it right. Let me help you bring them down to demonstrate my allegiance to this family. Please, I’m begging you.”
The fact she’s probably just twisting the tale doesn’t mean I’m not interested and so I nod. “I’m listening.”
“Then I need a drink because this isn’t a fairy tale. It’s the darkest horror.”
I step aside and allow her to pass and follow her to the den where there is a liquor cabinet that should really be licensed. Whatever tale she is about to spin could help me, but I must remember who I’m dealing with and keep my defenses fully raised while I plan my attack behind them.
CHAPTER19
CHASTITY
Iretreat like a wounded animal to my bed, curled up in one of Leo’s t-shirts, my tears soaking the pillow as I struggle to get a grip.
This isn’t me. I’m not emotional ever, but there is something about Leonardo Ortega that has revealed a side to me I’m not used to seeing.
That man is trouble for my heart and when he looks at me in a certain way, I almost believe he feels the same before he ruins it with a cruel comeback, leaving me with a sense of worthlessness.
As I lie in his huge turn of the century bed, I wish he was here with me now. Holding me, comforting me,lovingme.
I already understand that will never be an option, not for me. Not for a woman who has made revenge her driving force and hardened her heart to withstand all enemy advances.
Then how did he get in?
Somehow, I must fall asleep, but the demons are waiting for me with open arms, and it all comes back to bite me.
“Callie, hurry.”
Mom is upset. I can tell she’s been crying, and it worries me.
“Hurry! Do as I say.”
“What’s happening?”
I grab hold of my toy elephant, the one I had as a baby, and even though I’m fourteen years old, I never sleep without it.
“Listen.” She grips my shoulders hard and stares into my eyes.
“Whatever you do, stay locked in your room. If anyone asks to come in, hide under the floorboards like we practiced.”
I glance down at the trapdoor that lies hidden under the bed and a real fear grips my heart.
