Page 96 of Ruthless Redemption

“It’s not a game.”

“Not a fucking fun one, anyway,” Remy drawls. “This shit has gotten old real fucking quick.”

I don’t understand.

“They weren’t willing participants,mia dea,” Matthew mutters. It’s not a question or speculation. There’s confidence in his voice. Certainty in his expression.

“Meaning?” I ask.

“Emmanuel forced them to participate in the abduction of your daughter.” He meets my gaze. “And they never wanted to be a part of your husband’s death.”

I frown. Shake my head. “How do you know?”

“I didn’t. I only had suspicions until now.”

“Suspicions since when?” I can’t hold the accusation from my tone.

“Denver. When you took off in Abri’s car.” His eyes seek my understanding, his hand loosening around mine. “If she was loyal to Emmanuel, she never would’ve aided your escape. Then she spoke to me as if she wanted help but seemed too scared to ask. I didn’t know why. I thought her fear may have been over your brother’s possible retaliation. But I always wondered if it was because she hated her father’s actions as much as I did.”

“You should’ve told me,” I whisper.

“You wouldn’t have listened.” He cups my cheek, rubbing his thumb over my lower lip.

He’s right. I would’ve denied any leniency toward his siblings. I still want to now.

“Give us a chance to explain.” Remy limps forward. “We’ll tell you everything.”

I don’t stop looking at Matthew. Don’t stop trying to read his thoughts.

“It’s up to you,la mia stella polare.” There’s no inflection in his tone. He doesn’t beg for them. Doesn’t show weakness or attempt to sway me with guilt. But I feel it regardless. I sense the yearning for understanding over a family he lost. “They hurt you. Threatened you. It’s your choice how we proceed.”

No, it’s not.

He’s already made the decision for me.

“Please, Layla.” Remy stands tall. “Give us a chance to explain that we’re not your enemy.”

“But are you an ally?” I raise a brow. “If we hear you out, will you willingly give information to help us kill your father?”

The brothers exchange a look. A tense visual standoff.

“It’s not a trick question,” Matthew growls. “There shouldn’t be any hesitation if what you’re claiming isn’t a setup.”

“There’s no setup, but there’s also no easy way to answer.” Remy rakes a hand through his hair, inching forward. “If you’re willing to talk this through, we can explain.”

“Stay where you are.” Matthew slides in front of me. “Don’t get any closer.”

Remy sighs. “I’m not going to hurt her. I think we’ve unintentionally done enough of that over the years. I just want her to see my sincerity. We never wanted to be a part of your darkest days, Layla.”

They weren’t merely a part of it. They were the creators. The instigators.

“One conversation,” I concede, “that can be ended at any time.”

Matthew looks at me over his shoulder. “Are you sure this is what you want?”

No. But it’s whathewants. What heneeds. And I’m willing to give it to him. “I’m listening. That’s all. I’m not offering forgiveness.”

He frowns. “Layla—”

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