Page 113 of Ink Deep Devotion

“You’re using Isabella as a cover,” I mutter, finally understanding. Someoneiswatching my uncle. Dash was right; he was being controlled.“You staged this to look like you’re having an intervention with me, persuading me to stop seeing Isabella, but it’s a lie.”You wanted me alone so you could tell me about who is controlling you!

“No, that part is truth. You need to leave the girl alone.”

“Who’s controlling you?” I lean closer. He clears his throat, forcing me to lean back and act only mildly irritated.

“I can’t tell you that.” He looks down at the book in the bag.“If I figured it out, then your father will.”

“And who should I fear more, my father or whoever is controlling you?”

“Your father.” He replies without hesitation.

“So stop him!” I challenge him.

Marcus closes his eyes, and suddenly, he looks ten years older. As a boy, he was a mountain in front of me, tall and daunting, but even mountains can crumble. Time spares no one.“I can’t. He’s my brother. He saved me and protected Kate.”Marcus admits in a hushed tone.

“He might have saved you and my aunt, but what aboutme? What would Aunt Kate think of how you’ve let my dad shape me?”

“You don’t understand. Our actions are not up to us.”

“It’s up to these mysterious people controlling you?”

He looks me in the eye without answering.

“Will they hurt Isabella?”Tell me who they are. Tell me, tell me!

His forehead wrinkles,“They haven’t yet.”

“Fine. I heard you. I’ll leave her alone.” I play along.

He holds my stare, then exhales the weight of the world before taking a slow drink of his tea.“I’ll try to keep your father away.” He whispers.

“And what do you want in return?”

His lips tug up.“We raised you well.”

“You didn’t raise me.” I cross my arms because if I don’t trap my fists, they will break his bones.“You trained me, and yes, there is a difference.”

“I tried.” He replies in disappointment.I know, but you failed to save me from my father.

His chest rises as he inhales,“I know someone is sending Dash images of Mila, provoking him.”

“How do you know that?” I narrow my eyes.“Is it you?”

“No.”

“Is it the people controlling you?”

“No.”

I lean back in my chair and widen my legs.“Why can’t you tell me who it is?”

“It’s not time.”

“When will it be time?” I grunt.

He looks away as if a new horizon is shining and has caught his attention.“Soon,” he mumbles as he quickly glances over his shoulder.“We don’t really have much time. One minute, you’re ruling the world, and the next, you’re taking your last breath,” he snorts as his lips tug up in a melancholy smirk.“I need you to convince Dash not to go after who is sending him the photos of Mila.”

I tilt my head.“You’re speaking in riddles, Uncle. Why would I do that?”

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