Page 367 of Rage

“I love you, Gideon Rossi, but this marriage won’t work unless we’re both truthful.”

He’s silent for a moment, and I fear he’s going to shut me out. But then he crosses the room and sits next to me on the bed.

“A year ago, I was approached by your father. He wanted to make a deal with me but didn’t have the money to tempt me into considering it. So he offered his biggest asset.” His gaze lands on me. “He offered you. I turned him away. I may be a lot of things, but I don’t trade in human flesh.”

I let out a dry laugh. “It doesn’t surprise me he offered me. He’s always acted like women must serve men.”

“And yet you begged for his life. Agreed to stay with me, even.”

We’re both turning a new leaf today. One that revolves around the truth. That means it’s time to tell him my father’s secret.

“My father’s mistress just had twin girls. My little sisters. I begged for his life because they deserve a chance to know their father.”

“And what happens when he decides they, too, can be used as pawns?” He shakes his head. “A few weeks after I turned him down, I heard that you were kidnapped. My gut said he had something to do with it, so I sent my best man to get you back.” His voice is thick as he continues, “Boris sent me one last text before he died. Said he knew where you were and that he was going to get you back.”

His words shock me to my core. “Boris was your man?”

“Yes.”

I let out a watery laugh. “I’ve tried to find out everything I could about him since he died. It was like he was a ghost.” I turn to Gideon. “Did he have a family?”

“Only me.”

My hand finds his. “I’m so sorry for your loss, Gideon. He was a wonderful man. He did everything he could to get me out of there…”

“Your father is the one who had you kidnapped Wren. Who killed Boris. I found out after he died.”

I let his words settle over me. “There was a part of me that always knew it was him, you know?”

“I’m sorry.”

I brush at the tears streaming down my face. “There’s nothing to apologize for, Gideon. You aren’t the one who hurt me. He was.”

“But I blamed you for Boris’ death.”

“Do you still blame me?”

“No.”

“Then we’re good. I promise.”

But that’s not the truth either.

“Actually, we’re not good.”

His eyebrows lift. “Little bird, I will get on my hands and knees and beg for your forgiveness if that’s what it takes to make this right.”

“No. There’s only one thing that will make this right. Killing my father.”

His eyes are full of dark promises. “I’ll make it happen on one condition.”

“And that is?”

“That you rule at my side, as my lady. My queen. My equal.”

I lean over, brushing my lips against his. “Silly man. I’m already your lady. Now, let’s go get my father.”

THE END

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