Page 16 of Bought By the Owner's Son
“No, I won’t,” I say firmly. “I know you think I have a hand in the sex trafficking going on at the chapel, but you’re wrong. I’ve long wanted to close it down, but you know how these things work. If I save only a few girls, hundreds could replace them, and in a different hidden location. And make no mistake, the man we’re dealing with is my father. He’s the one pulling the strings, and he’s Senator Walter.” I pause for a beat to allow the information to sink in, silently respecting Roman for his non-reaction.
My father has done an excellent job of keeping his public and private lives separate. People like Roman, who know my father is the owner of an illegal auction house, have not often seen his face—or at least, not in the light. They don’t know that he’s a well-respected man in the light of day.
I continue, “And even though I know his identity, I can’t just report him, because he’s hiding behind layers of cooperation and protection. He’s powerful. He has powerful people backing him up, people who won’t risk exposure of their own sadistic acts and secrets. So, I had to bide my time and find irrefutable evidence that will hold up in court. The FBI are making their move as we speak. And I plan to only deal in stolen artifacts and artwork once this is all done.”
Roman’s silence is more calculating than shocked. It’s as if he’s testing whether my words are believable. “Okay, I’ll bite. Where’s the stolen painting?”
As I recite the name of the café and address, my office door flies open and Elena enters. Her expression is one of shock and betrayal.
“Roman, I have to go,” I say tersely, hanging up before he can say a word more.
“Elena,” I say softly, pushing back my chair, “I know what you heard, but I promise it’s not what you think.”
“Please, Lucian,” she says, “stay where you are.”
I can see she’s hurting. It takes all my control to remain in my seat, my hands gripping the chair arms tightly. “I didn’t betray you, love,” I say softly.
“But you did. I trusted you because I love you, Lucian. Why did you do this?” Her voice is tight with pain.
My heart soars at the knowledge of her feelings for me. But I know it’s not the right time to let her know the depth of my emotions when it comes to her. I watch her eyes turn stricken as they fix on something behind me.
Shit!I don’t need to turn around. I know she’s looking at a picture of my father and me. If I’d known the fucking picture would bite me in the ass, I wouldn’t have displayed it in the first fucking place. I have no attachment to it, just a need to be reminded of my hatred every day.
Even though I know there’s nothing I can say to ease her pain, I hope to try.
“Elena, he is—”
“No!” she cuts me off. “How could you, Lucian? You sat there in the room and comforted me as I talk to you about this murderer. You acted all concerned, when you’ve known about it all along.”
“Elena, you can’t believe—”
“I don’t know what to believe!” she snaps. “I’ve just regained my memories, only to find you telling someone where I kept the artwork, and then I see a picture of you with someone who might kill me if he knows I’m alive. What do you expect me to think?”
There’s a resounding silence as I digest her words and realize she has a point. Despite the searing pain I feel in my soul at the prospect of losing her trust in me, I open my mouth to try to explain myself.
“Was it fun?” she asks, halting my explanation once again.
“What do you mean, love?” I ask.
“Tricking me—was it fun?” Her voice is lifeless now.
My chest tightens and I clamp my jaw hard, stifling my emotion. “I didn’t trick you, Elena. If you’ll just hear me out, then—”
“I’m tired, Lucian. I don’t want any more lies from you. Please just let me go.” She turns and walks out of my office, taking my shattered heart with her.
Every nerve in my body screams at me to keep her with me and make her listen until she understands that I didn’t betray her, but I remain in place. A few minutes later, the intercom in my office buzzes. “Sir, Miss Elena is at the gate. Should I let her leave?” my security guard asks.
“Let her do whatever she wants—and follow her discreetly and keep her safe,” I order. “I’ll have Doug replace you at your station.”
“Yes, sir.”
I’ll give her some time to let go of her anger, but if Elena thinks I’ll just forget her then she has no idea of how tenacious I can be.
Chapter Nine
Elena
“Goodbye, miss.”
