Page 130 of When Hearts Awaken

Elias stares unwaveringly at her, a flash of admiration in his eyes. “What if more photos or videos come out? We’ll try our damned best to stop them, but there are no guarantees we can get to them before they’re uploaded online, or if the press might get a hold of them and release them without our permission.”

“It’ll be payday for the press—an Anderson in a compromising situation in photos—especially since this Anderson is dating the heir to the Vaughn fortune,” Emerson adds, visibly disgruntled that he’s agreeing with Elias.

“Charles and I will take care of the press if it comes to that,” Maxwell murmurs. He sneaks a glance our way. “Money isn’t an issue here, Tay. The press just wants their payday. They don’t care who it’s from.”

Taylor swallows, her eyes widening at the implication of me and her brother throwing what will be an exorbitant amount of cash at this problem.

“Thank you,” she whispers, her voice catching at the end.

“Anything for you, minx. Nothing is too expensive.”

Maxwell’s gaze softens. “Tay, I’m sure the girls already told you this, but it’s not just you and Grace against the world now. I know you’re very independent and,” his nostrils flare and a muscle tics in his jaw, “I wish Dad reunited with you guys sooner. But you are one of us. An attack on you is an attack on our family. Wealwayshave your back.”

Taylor’s breath hitches, and she smiles. I tug her to my side, my eyes catching Maxwell’s, and I give him a curt nod. I’m so damn proud to call the Andersons my best friends. Unlike most other wealthy families who don’t take too kindly to illegitimate children born outside of marriage, the Andersons have welcomed Grace and Taylor with open arms. I didn’t realize the extent of their commitment and honor until now.

“I have to ask you a question, Taylor.” Elias clasps his hands in front of him. “Which hotel were you at on the night of your assault?” He sneaks a knowing glance at me as blood rushes to my head. He knew I couldn’t bring myself to ask her, and he couldn’t do it before now because Taylor didn’t know he was investigating.

My palms grow sweaty as my pulse roars in my ear.Please don’t say it. Please don’t say it. Please—

“Hotel Renegade.”

My heart plummets to the floor. The only scenario I don’t have a solution for. The suspicion I had in the back of my mind, not wanting to face it. My uncle and Taylor in the same place, at the same time. I remember her eyes were haunted with terror the day she met him at ABTC. Her memory of a blond man with light eyes.

“And the exact date of your assault?”

The oxygen is sucked out of the room.

“October 5th. I’ll never forget that day.”

October 5th. Hotel Renegade.The words ring in my ears as my blood turns to ice.

Elias’s eyes sharply dart to me as comprehension dawns on his face.

Betrayal sears into me. The final puzzle pieces sliding into place. The truth I didn’t want to face. The man who was everything to me when I was growing up, the man who loved me, who taught me how to be a man not like my father.

That man is amonster.

I’m going to kill him.My mind swirls with violence as I grip Taylor’s hand tightly, and she draws in a pained breath. Once I get confirmation that he was the monster who brutalized Taylor, I’m going to kill him.

“Charles?” She frowns as I shake beside her, unable to form words.

Emerson furrows his brows, his gaze bouncing between the two of us. “You guys know something, don’t you? You’re not telling us everything.”

“Charles?” Taylor shakes me.

I turn toward her, staring at her beautiful face once more, taking in her startling eyes, now glimmering with concern for me, her pale skin I know flushes pink at the slightest emotion, her perfect cupid’s bow lips that are pillowy soft.

It may be the last time she looks at me this way. Guileless. In love.

Because what she just said changes everything. Why would she stay with me if the monster who attacked her all those years ago and is now blackmailing her is my uncle?

I heave in one deep breath. And another. Slowly, I reach out and skim my thumb over her cheek, savoring the silky softness and her whispery inhale reaching my ears.

Swallowing, I murmur, “There’s something I need to tell you.”

Taylor freezes.

I caress her cheek again. I love this woman so damn much. “I’m sorry for keeping this from you. I couldn’t bring myself to ask you before because I couldn’t bear it if…if my worst nightmare becomes a reality. But Elias took care of it for me.”

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