Page 103 of Avenging Devil: Part 2

“Winston?” Clarissa looks worried.

“Everyone does it.” Bartell brushes off my comments. “Don’t worry yourself, we’re clean.”

Saffie lowers her head into her hands, then looks up with a sad expression. “You admit it, Dad? Duke wasn’t just paying you for me, was he? You were working with his club.”

“I never wanted you caught up in it, Sapphire. That was all on you. I warned you, didn’t I? I knew what Duke was like from my business with the Crazy Wolves. But no, you had to go and marry him.”

Saffie stands. She takes a step closer to her father. “No, you didn’t. You could have told me exactly what he was, but that would have exposed you, wouldn’t it? That might have soured your business arrangement.”

“You come first, Sapphire.”

“Do I?” She tilts her head to one side. “I’ve been wondering why you lent Duke your private jet to come and take me.”

Hmm. I’ve been wondering that myself. I watch with interest as Bartell’s face goes bright red.

“He told me you’d been visiting friends and wanted to come home.” But his shifty glance to the side belies the innocent words.

Saffie huffs a laugh completely lacking in mirth. “I don’t believe you. It was part of your deal with him, wasn’t it? It makes me wonder just what business you were doing with the Crazy Wolves that you’d do anything for them.”

“I didn’t know, Sapphire,” Bartell cries out. “I didn’t know he was hurting you. If I had…” his voice trails off.

“What?” Saffie jumps in. “If you’d known, what?” When he doesn’t answer, she says sadly, “Money was always more important than me.”

Bartell opens and shuts his mouth, but in the end, he says nothing. Clarissa’s gone red in the face. I guess she thought their money was all legit.

Saffie places her hand on my arm. “I think we’re about finished here, Niran.”

“Still no sign of Duke.” I hear Bolt’s update.

“You’ve only just gotten here, Sapphire.”

“Mom.” She swings around to address her mother. “You’d prefer me married to a monster than leave him and be free. And as for you,” she turns to her father, “you only want me to breed so I bring an heir to the family. Not once have either of you asked how I am, how I’m feeling, or how badly Duke hurt me. Niran’s a good man. He’s all that I need.” She turns to me. “Come on, let’s leave.”

“Where will you go? Where are you living?” Clarissa seems to realise she’s losing her daughter again.

“I’m sorry I can’t tell you that. I can’t risk anything getting back to Duke.” With parents like these, I’m glad she’s being cautious.

For a moment I tune out as they ask her to stay longer and her rebuttal that there’s really no point.

I hadn’t needed Bolt’s confirmation. I’d heard no shots, no commotion at all. The lack of an overt move from Duke worries me. I’m so fucking certain he’s out there, somewhere, just waiting for us to emerge. Will we be ambushed on the way out? On the grounds, or out on the road?

I know my brothers have got it covered, but still, I’m nervous. I’d hoped he’d make his move while we were safe inside, and by the time we emerged, he’d be taken care of.

Now I’m facing the prospect that Saffie’s going to be exposed.

He’s not getting near her, I silently promise.

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