Page 79 of Made For Ruin

A harsh laugh escapes my lips. "Oh, I know exactly what kind of businessman he is. The kind who preys on people's weaknesses, who exploits their desperation for his own gain."

I step closer, my voice dropping to a fierce whisper.

"What do you think is going to happen when Enzo finds out you're talking to the Van Burens? That you're trying to sell the diner out from under him? Do you really believe he's just going to let that slide?"

Derrick's eyes widen, a flicker of fear crossing his face before he masks it with bravado.

"He won't find out. The Van Burens know how to keep things quiet."

I roll my eyes.

"Enzo Castellano has eyes and ears everywhere. He probably knew about this meeting before you even set it up."

Derrick's shoulders slump, the fight draining out of him like air from a punctured tire.

"Lainey, please," Derrick begs, his voice cracking with desperation. "I don't have any other options. If I don't pay Enzo back, I don't even want to think about what he'll do."

I stare at my brother, taking in the dark circles under his eyes. As angry as I am, a part of me aches for him.

But I can't let that sway me. Not this time.

"I'm sorry, Derrick," I say softly, my voice firm despite the emotions swirling inside me. "But I'm not selling the diner. Not to the Van Burens, not to Enzo, not to anyone."

Derrick's eyes flash with anger.

"Wow," he says. "I really thought you, of all people, would have my back on this."

I laugh, the sound harsh and humorless in the charged air between us.

"I've always had your back, Derrick. I've spent years cleaning up your messes. But I'm done enabling you. It's time for you to figure this out on your own."

I don't wait for his response.

I just turn on my heel and walk away, head high even as my hands tremble and my heart thunders in my ears. I walk out of the restaurant, out into the bright mountain sunlight, and I don't stop until I reach my truck.

Only then, keys clutched in my white-knuckled grip, do I let myself feel the full weight of what just happened.

But even as the doubts swirl in my head, I think of this morning. Of waking up safe and protected in Marcus's arms. Of the way he looked at me, touched me, like I was something precious. Something cherished.

Something worth fighting for.

I think of my diner, my parents' dream, the only piece of them I have left.

I think of everything I stand to lose, and everything I've already lost.

And I know that I can't give up. Not now, not ever.

I've spent my whole life putting everyone else first - Derrick, Axel, and the endless parade of customers who need me to be strong and unshakeable.

But last night with Marcus lit a fire in me. It showed me that I'm more than just sweet, dependable Lainey, always eager to please.

I'm strong. I'm brave.

And I'm done letting anyone use my heart against me.

The weeks flypast in a blur of early mornings at the diner and late nights with Marcus, and before long, it’s the day of Lorena Castellano’s wedding.

As Ruby and I pull up to the Fit Mountain Resort, I’m struck by how the glass facade towers against the mountain backdrop.Even after all these years, it’s still crazy how much the Walker brothers transformed the mountain.

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