Page 70 of Spice and Revenge

“Two nights ago, in your library,” I confess.

The anger on his face morphs into disbelief, and something else. Something that looks like pain. He runs his tongue over his teeth.

“Before or after we had sex?” he demands.

My throat clogs, but I force the singular word out of my lips. “After.”

Leo chuckles again, and this time, the pain in his eyes is very evident. “Was it when you teased me for wanting to cuddle? Or after I slept in your arms?” The questions chafe against my bleeding heart, tearing me apart inside.

I feel like the worst person on earth. I feel like a monster, just like Uncle Pedro.

“You killed my sister,” I finally hiss, my rage bubbling over. “You and your father are the reason my entire family is dead. So, don’t you dare guilt-trip me for seeking revenge,” I spit venomously.

A betraying tear rolls down my cheek, and I harshly wipe it off, refusing to let weakness show.

“Your Uncle was responsible for the death of your family,” Leo snarls. “I’m sure you heard that since you listened to his entire confession earlier…”

He knew I was standing outside. Of course he did. Probably had me tailed.

“Your father pulled the trigger that killed my parents. You pulled the trigger that killed my sister…”

“I didn't. Had you just fuckingaskedme, we wouldn't be in this mess,” Leo growls, shaking.

He’s lying. I know he is. I can barely stand to look at him anymore, so I fix my gaze on the peeling wall opposite him.

“Yeah, like that conversation would've led anywhere. You wouldn't have hesitated to blow my brains out,” I reply bitterly.

Leo shakes his head, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face. “You really just see me as a monster, don't you?”

I continue to stare, not out of fear that he might shoot me if I speak wrong, but because I'm at a loss for words. Rage and fury have dictated my life for too long, turning me into a shadow of myself, a pawn in someone else's sinister game.

Now, I'm just tired. I want to listen.

“Not that I owe you an explanation, but I have the decency to tell you what really happened before I wipe you off the face of this earth,” Leo says, his voice heavy with regret.

I swallow hard.

“I aimed the gun at her, but I couldn’t fucking pull the trigger. My father took the gun and did what I couldn’t do,” he confesses, his words heavy with agony. He pauses, closing his eyes as if the memory is a fresh wound being torn open once again. Well, welcome to the club.

“I suffered for that decision until my father died. But now that I know she was your sister, I’m glad I was a coward that day,” he spits out bitterly.

I glance at him again, searching for any hint of deception, but all I see is raw honesty shining through his eyes. Yet, it’s hard to just accept it just because it’s the truth.

“You ruined my life!” I finally let out the scream that’s been building inside of me for years.

“No! You ruined mine!” Leo’s voice bounced within the walls.

“Because of my inability to kill your sister, I was tortured for years. My father vented his anger on me and my mother, physically and emotionally abusing us. That monster took her life, and I was powerless to stop it.”

I feel sorry for him, and the feelings wracking through me are a mixture of guilt, anger, and grief.

“That’s why I am the way I am. I don’t let anyone in. I don’t give anyone the time of the day, but I did that all for you. God, I’m so stupid. I let you in my house, close to my family, in my bed!” He shakes his head, sneering at me. “I feel like I don’t even know you. I trusted you. I let you get close to me, Laura.”

The sound of my real name on his lips hurts more than a dagger to the chest. He runs a hand through his hair, and I notice that his hands are shaking, like mine.

“I don’t forgive betrayal.” His voice cracks slightly as he takes another step towards me.

The lump in my throat rises as another wave of tears wells in my eyes. I hate him. I want to hurt him so badly. I want to kill him. But at the same time, I want to comfort him and hold his hand.

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