Page 51 of Saved from Deception

Cole hesitates, then says, “Take another minute, just breathe, and if you’re feeling better, I’ll tell you.”

Rylan huffs, “I think she’s had enough already.”

But after two minutes of regular breathing and not passing out, I insist again, “Tell me why.”

Grim-faced, Cole moves back to his chair, picking up the folder and scowling at it. Rylan tucks me into his side, his arm curving around me protectively, his brows drawn down, frowning.

Once we’re settled, Cole says, “Morgan turned on Caroline as soon as she was arrested. So the police brought Caroline in for questioning also. Caroline claims she didn’t think it would go that far, but she was sick of you being the favorite. She wanted to embarrass you, mess up your career, make you look bad in front of your parents. But she never anticipated the blowback on the real estate company.”

“Apparently Caroline told Morgan all about how you were the charmed one, and they bonded over their perceived mistreatment by your parents, and their jealousy of you. So Morgan came up with the idea of making you look bad with the deepfakes, and Caroline jumped on board with it.”

“And now?” Rylan’s teeth are grinding so loud I can hear them. “Are they both going to be held accountable for this?”

“Yes. Caroline helped Morgan with photos and other information about Charlie. So she’ll be brought up on charges, too. They’ll both end up doing time.”

I can’t wrap my head around it. My sister. And an unknown half-sister. Both of them conspiring to ruin my life. Sorrow expands so quickly inside me, I’m breathless.

“Ry.” I reach for him, needing his arms to hold me together.

“Ah, love.” He pulls me against his chest, kissing my head. “I’m so sorry.”

“My family,” I choke out, tears burning behind my eyes. “My parents rejected me. My sister and my half-sister hate me. Am I that terrible that my own family doesn’t want me?”

“Oh, no, Charlie. No.” Rylan pulls back to look at me, his expression fierce. “You are amazing, love. They are the terrible ones. And I want you.”

As my tears break free, Rylan gathers me to him, whispering into my hair, “You are incredible, Charlie. Trust me.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

RYLAN

I hate rainy days.

Rainy days mean my knee will be extra angry with me as I put it through my daily workout. Instead of the usual dull throb, I’ll have shooting pains that will linger the rest of the day. The rain makes my back ache, makes me irritable, bitter, turning me into a cranky old man.

And today it’s even worse. Because now I have Charlie to go back to, and the last thing I want is for her to see me weak. Angry. Hurting.

I really wanted to stay in bed with her. Put off the workout and hold my sexy and naked girlfriend instead. I wanted to kiss her awake, make love to her, hear her moans and cries and feel her coming apart around me.

That would be much more enjoyable than the self-inflicted pain I’m about to endure. But I made a vow to myself when I joined Blade and Arrow, and that means working out even when I don’t want to. Even when it hurts.

I’ll just have to take an extra long shower when I get back to my apartment and take a few more painkillers. Grit my teeth and force a smile. And not let on that I’m in pain, because Charlie has enough on her own plate without worrying needlessly about me.

Cole is just finishing up in the gym as I come in, wiping down the treadmill with disinfectant spray and a clean towel. As he sees me, he shoots me a quick nod and a smile. “Morning, Ry.”

I lift my chin at him, giving him a small smile in return. “Morning.”

Cole looks at me, his gaze appraising. He hesitates, his brow going down, before saying, “You don’t have to work out every day, you know. A day off won’t hurt.”

All my teammates know the rain bothers my old injuries, and I know Cole means well, but I don’t want another reminder that I’m not one hundred percent like the rest of them. Tightly, I respond, “I want to. If I start skipping just because it’s raining, what about when there are three rainy days in a row? Or a week of them?”

Cole walks toward me, looking unhappy. “I know. I just…” Guilt is etched into his features.

“It’s fine.” I clap him on the shoulder, forcing another smile. He still feels guilty about everything years later, even though he shouldn’t. He’s no more to blame than anyone else on the team. “I’ll make it a short one today.”

“Good.” The lines across his forehead smooth out. Shoulders lifting, he says, “Oh, I heard from Dante. He’s on leave, visiting his family in Stony Point, but he wants to come visit for the night. Meet up with everyone, grab a few beers—I told him we’d meet at the Hop-less Horseman. You up for it?”

“I’d like to. But I want to check with Charlie, see how she feels about it. She may not feel comfortable going out in public, and I don’t want to leave her here alone.”

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