Page 89 of Debt of My Soul

I shake my head.

A drawing behind me catches my attention through the mirror and my focus narrows on the familiar building set in a rustic frame. I whirl around, unconcerned with my damp hands now dripping all over my dress.

It’s the cabin.

Liam’s cabin.

The drawing is beautiful. Sketched with detail I’ve missed in real life. The whole drawing is void of color, shaded with charcoal or pencils—I’m not sure.

One would think a million cabins look the same, but it’s his. The way the lightly shaded areas are directed from the west. The bulky oak tree sitting on the right-hand side, roots deep and broad; I trip over them even from a distance away. The one rocking chair lonely in the corner of the porch where I’ve spent most of my mornings seated. It’s his all right.

What strikes me is the fact it’s hanging in his parents’ bathroom. Do they know they bought a drawing of Liam’s house? I can only imagine if Darrin knew evidence of his compound existed outside of it, he’d be dangerous.

I make a mental note to ask Liam about it.

With one more glance in the mirror and a quick snap to the rubber bands hiding under my cuff bracelet, I open the door to find Adam leaning against the wall opposite the bathroom. Wearing clothes different from what he’s normally in, I take in his khakis and tucked in plaid shirt. His dark hair is combed tightly to the side.

I still, unable to move forward as he studies me.

He sighs. It’s a long, drawn-out sound that raises the hairs on the back of my neck. “Tell me what happened after the fire?”

What happened? I was under the impression he was informed. Frustrated, I inhale a deep breath through my nose.

“I was taken. Kept for a while. They were waiting to see what you’d do. I didn’t know about the money, Adam. Eventually, they took me and threatened my life, my family’s life.”

Adam winces, but I continue.

“Liam saved my life. Claimed me in a way I guess they respect around there. He pitched it as a way to get back at you, but I know he was saving you too.”

Adam’s sad eyes morph into annoyance and he snorts. “You think he did it for me? Nah, he took you to use you.”

I shake my head. There is no doubt in my mind he was doing his best to keep me safe and protect his brother. “Adam, he was trying to help. Protect you and protect me.”

Adam steps toward me, his hand coming to my cheek. “We can fix this, Fleur. I went to see someone, someone who can help me with the money. I won’t leave you stuck with him or them.”

I rear my head back. Yes, while I’m stuck, I’m also alive and I’m grateful for Liam. There’s no way I wouldn’t have been sexually assaulted, hurt, and even killed if it weren’t for him stepping in.

“Someone?” I ask.

“I’m close to getting the money. I know we only just started, but I care deeply for you. I-I didn’t mean for you to get caught up in this mess. I’m so sorry.”

His hand moves to delve into my hair, and I try to back away, pinned between the door and Adam. My hands, fisted at my sides, are clammy.

Wrong. It feels wrong.

A growl erupts from down the hall and both Adam and I snap our heads to see Liam standing there, arms crossed in front of him. His lips are curled with a snarl directed at Adam and I quickly move away from him.

Adam grits his teeth back. “I don’t need your bail out this time, Liam.”

Liam bristles. “And what? You think I should’ve left her to her own devices, let them have their way with her, kill her?”

“I’m getting the money,” Adam snaps.

“From where?”

“That’s none of your concern.”

My eyes ping-pong between both men and I hate this. Their feud started before I came along but I’m not making matters any better.

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