Page 129 of Theirs to Corrupt

“Right?”I demand again.

“We need to talk.”

I shrug off Link’s touch and wrap my hands around my middle. “Answer me.”

“There are things you need to understand.”

“Let’s sit down,” Pax says.

Since I’m shaking from confusion and hardly able to think straight, I reluctantly nod.

To fight off my sudden chill, I pick up the robe I’d been wearing earlier and knot the belt tightly around my waist.

Thankfully Link takes the opportunity to return to the bedroom to pull on some clothes.

My hand wavers as I reach for my drink. Then I stop. The chocolate liqueur with its milk seems suddenly unappealing. “I need something stronger,” I murmur, setting the glass down untouched.

“Whiskey?” Link offers.

That sounds worse. “Wine.”

Link nods, continuing across the room to pour me a glass.

Pax shifts on the couch, patting the space between them invitingly. But I shake my head. Instead I grab hold of one of the armchairs and drag it a few feet away. The physical distance mirrors my internal emotions.

Ever since the day I met them, they’ve kept things from me. Maybe that’s because they’re wanting to protect me. More likely, they trust no one.

But I won’t settle for that any longer.

Link returns, offering me a generous pour of red wine. Without a thank you, I accept it.

To steady myself, I take a long sip before cradling the glass in both hands. Once Link takes his seat, I look at them, frowning from my hurt and confusion. “Tell me everything. I’ve had enough of your half-truths.”

My harsh tone makes Link cringe and Pax wince.

The two men exchange a glance, a silent conversation passing between them. Finally Link leans forward, propping his elbows on his knees. “Axel’s debts go far deeper than you realize.”

That doesn’t surprise me.

“It’s not just gambling.”

“Go on.”

Link remains silent for a minute, as if contemplating what he wants to say. “He took over the business from your father.”

I nod.

“And he’s been working with criminal syndicates to help launder and hide money.”

My wine sloshes over the rim of the glass.

“And skimming,” Pax adds. “Each time he dug himself deeper, always believing the next big score would solve everything.”

I fight to steady my glass. This is impossible…

My phone pings again, but Link has possession of it. “I need to see that,” I insist.

Though he nods, first he reads the message. Then he shows Pax before sliding the device onto the coffee table and pushing it toward me.

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