Page 67 of Ruthless Redemption

“We’re not fighting,” Keira says. “All of you need to go inside so I can speak to Matthew alone.”

Nobody moves.

Nobody quits staring at me.

Keira swings around. Not to her man, or the enforcer, but to Sarah. “Get them out of here.”

I smirk. It must chafe their balls to be commanded by a woman. Then again, I’d let Layla do far worse to my pride.

“Him, too.” She glares at Bishop. “I want to speak to Langston alone.”

Bishop leisurely meets my gaze, as if waiting for approval.

“Go.” I nod.

His attention lowers to my pocket, his eyes narrowing.

“Go.”

He complies, leading the charge inside with Torian’s cronies following.

Once the door closes, Keira strolls to the railing, her focus on the inky ocean. “Please tell me she’s okay.”

I wish I could, but I’m not going to lie to make this bitch feel better about her family’s actions. So instead, I keep my mouth shut.

“Can you at least tell me what you’ve told her about the situation?” she asks.

“Nothing.” I keep my voice low, knowing Layla could be right up against the French doors trying to overhear every word.

“So you’re still lying to her?”

“No,” I mutter. “She hasn’t asked questions and I haven’t offered information.”

“Does she know about your agreement with Co—”

“I’ve told her nothing,” I snarl. “Not a fucking thing. Now lower your goddamn voice before she hears you.”

She shoots me a sideways glance—a glare—then slumps her shoulders with a sigh. “She’s hurting. But it’s obvious she still has feelings for you.”

It’s true. One hundred percent on both counts.

“I can see it in her eyes,” she adds. “She truly believes we’ve disowned her. That we think less of her. And she already battled with a misconception about our commitment to her before you two met.”

“Her self-worth isn’t her strongest attribute.”

She nods. “This situation is only making it worse. I’m worried this is causing trauma that she might never recover from.”

What’s her angle? Her game plan? Is she trying to trip me up?

“I’m not lying.” She reads my mind. “I can’t stomach what damage this is potentially creating. She was already too fragile.”

“She told me she ratted out your brother. Is that true?”

“It was years ago, and I wouldn’t describe it like that. She was manipulated into thinking she was helping the family. But all she did was strengthen a monster.” Her voice lowers to a whisper. “She’s never forgiven herself so I’m surprised she told you.”

“She’s trying her best to push me away.”

“Is it working?”

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