Page 110 of Conquered

I’d heard how Marcus had lost his father, Easton holding nothing back other than what he called the gory details. However, there were no secrets left between us, our long discussions something I would cherish.

Even if most people would call me sick for accepting just how horrible his life had been and the bad deeds he’d taken upon himself to do.

All the details were still somewhat surreal, but I trusted Easton far more than I ever had with Josie.

I sat with the glass of wine in my hand, listening to the continued Skype meeting he was having with his brothers. He hadn’t tried to shut me out of anything, including conversations with his family. I still found it hard to believe I’d bought the doctored photograph of him in the first place.

However, modern technology was extremely impressive.

I sat back, listening in on the conversation.

“For now, I’ve handled things with the police department, but I won’t put it past the good senator to rear his ugly head once again,” Creed said.

“Including trying to get a warrant to search the sanctuary of your house, Creed. That could include excavation,” Styx said quietly.

All three were worried and I couldn’t blame them. I almost started laughing again. Bodies buried in the grounds.

I must have made a sound since Easton turned his head in my direction, a smile crossing his face at the same time lust filled his eyes. He’d purposely left me alone to heal, as he’d said, although he’d spent every night in my room watching over me.

Like a hawk.

“We need to connect him to Marcus,” Creed stated.

I lifted my eyebrows. I knew what his brother wanted. For me to use Josie the way she’d used me. I had no proof she’d been sleeping with Marcus and all I wanted to do was to put the ugly incident behind me. Behind us.

After shaking my head that I wouldn’t allow Josie to be put on a chopping block, Easton lifted his glass in what appeared to be respect.

“Not going to happen, boys,” he said. “Sara doesn’t want her friend’s life destroyed.”

“Even after what the bitch did?” Creed snarled.

“You and I both know that girl was manipulated,” Easton said more for me than for their benefit.

Styx chuckled. “He’s right, Creed. In this case, the woman is a true victim in this horrendous scenario. I plan on issuing a warning to the good senator myself since he needs campaign funds. That should keep him on a short leash until we can ensure there’s nothing incriminating left. However, have you noticed our brother has been wrapped around a girl’s finger finally?”

Easton moved out of the view of his laptop screen, placing his finger across his lips. I pretended like I was zipping them before taking a satisfying sip of my merlot. How could I not enjoy eavesdropping?

“True. I think our boy has finally met his match with that little woman. Speaking of a leash. Soon, she’s going to be dragging you around by one,” Creed teased.

Easton planted his hands on his desk, leaning over with the mischievous grin forming on his face I so adored. “Gentlemen. Let me remind you that both Emily and Bella captured more than just your hearts, something you begged me to consider allowing to happen. I am curious. How tight are the collars you’re wearing?” He laughed and winked at me seconds later.

“You’re a bad man,” Creed said. “Don’t forget the christening is in four days. You will not miss it or Bella will have my balls.”

While all three men laughed, I realized how lucky I felt on so many levels.

I had a career that I adored already.

A man I loved, even if I’d promised myself that I had to wait to confirm saying that for at least a respectable month.

And a growing family. I couldn’t wait to meet everyone. It was strange and maybe too twisted for anyone else to understand, but I felt as if I was finally home.

Even my parents had shocked me by encouraging me to follow my dreams when I’d talked to them the night before. Maybe I really could have everything I wanted.

I only prayed the nightmares would end eventually and I could get back to writing.

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Styx said. “We’ll come bearing wine and presents.”

Easton had even told me during one of our heartfelt talks that there would be no more Angel of Death, that the crusader had been put to rest. I’d taken that to mean he’d realized how much he could have lost.

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