Page 50 of Twisted Thorns

"What did you find out?" I ask bluntly, resisting the urge to pour myself another drink. I need all my wits for this conversation.

Cassie hesitates, just for a moment. But it is enough. Dread curdles in my stomach even before she speaks.

"It was one of Sean's men," she says quietly. "That cut the brake lines on Avalina’s car that night."

I close my eyes as her words slam into me. My hands curl into fists against the desk.

"Are you certain?" I grind out behind clenched teeth. But of course she is. Cassandra would not have come to me unless she was absolutely sure.

"Yes. The accident was meant for you. They thought you were with her that night."

Sean had almost killed the girl I... cared for. Avalina could have died that night. Because of this stupid war with O'Neil.

Crimson, fiery rage surges through me, and it is only through sheer force of will that I leash it. Later, I would deal with my Sean. But now, I had to ensure Avalina's safety.

Opening my eyes, I meet Cassandra's gaze. “How did Sean find out?”

Cass shrugs. “Originally, you weren’t as careful as you thought. One of Sean’s men saw you with her at Kingsdale Park and Sean started having her followed. They realized you were together.”

“And now?”

“You’ve been putting pressure on Sean and that’s keeping him busy, buying you time. But he is bound to know you two are back together, especially after that very public stunt you pulled at the gala.”

The feeling I was trying to avoid earlier, the waiting that things were bound to go wrong between Avalina and me…it’s staring me in the face now and I can’t look away.

"I put her in danger once. I won't do it again."

Cassandra nods. We both understand there is only one way to protect Avalina now. I have to let her go.

I take a deep breath, steadying myself. This was the only way I knew. No matter how much it would hurt us both.

"I'll end things with her," I mumble. "Make her believe I've lost interest."

Cassandra's eyes widen. "Kieran, are you sure? I know how you feel about her."

A muscle ticks in my jaw. She is right, damn her. My feelings for Avalina have grown far past mere intrigue. But it doesn’t matter now.

"It's the only way to keep her safe. If she stays close to me, to my family..." I trail off. The threat is obvious. As long as she is tied to us, she is in danger.

Cassandra nods reluctantly. "Just...you’ll have to do it publicly. To keep her safe, you’ll have to hurt her where Sean can see." She quietly makes her way out the door.

I turn away, not wanting her to see the pain in my eyes. Hurt Avalina? It will destroy me. But I have no choice.

I thought of her smile, so open and warm. Of the light in her eyes when she looked my way. Could I really extinguish that light forever?

My hands curl into fists again. I have to. For her sake.

Squaring my shoulders, I cage my heart. I will do what I have to protect her, no matter the cost. Even if it means sacrificing my chance at happiness.

I take a deep breath, the familiar scent of leather and mahogany grounding me. But there is no comfort to be found within these walls tonight.

I move to the window and look out at the moonlit grounds below. Somewhere out there, Avalina slept, blissfully unaware of the danger I hope to keep at bay.

Avalina will remain safe, even if it means my ruin.

Chapter 26

Kieran

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