Page 35 of Reckless Promises

I tense my jaw and take in a deep breath through my nose. “It happened when I was sixteen.”

“Okay.”

“It’s history.”

“Odette.” His tone is unforgiving, but his expression is vulnerable, revealing a side I’ve never seen from him before. Genuine concern that makes it harder to resist because some part of me deep inside doesn’t care that he’s my enemy. I want him to know this.

“It’s not that important,” I try to convince myself, even if it does nothing to relax his shoulders. “My father was hosting a dinner party, and it got a little rowdy like they always do. Gen and I could hear them from where we were watching a movie in the den, and I said I’d sneak in and steal some snacks for us. I figured if they were drunk, they wouldn’t even notice. But when I was in the hallway, I ran into one of my father’s business partners.”

My stomach turns as I remember things I’ve tried to bury.

“What happened?” Cillian’s full attention is on me now.

“He cornered me on his way to the bathroom.”

“And he did that to you.”

“He tried to do more, but I kneed him in the balls before he got the chance.” Once more I brush my fingers over the scar. “Let’s just say he didn’t appreciate that.”

“What do you mean,more?” Cillian’s entire body is rigid at that word.

“You know what I mean, Cillian. Don’t make me say it.”

Ican’t.

I won’t.

Pressing my lips tight, I try to forget how he cornered me. How his blue eyes burned with a mix of interest and rage. How his hand slipped into the front of my pajamas and how his rough palm felt grabbing at my chest.

I scratched. I clawed. And when that didn’t work, I kneed him between the legs. But all that did was make him angrier, which is why he pulled out a knife and pressed it to my throat to stop me from fighting him.

I grasp my stomach, and once more, as if Birdie senses it, she walks over and climbs into my lap.

“It was fine though.” I exhale and try to relax. “One of my father’s security guards found us and my father took care of it. He wasn’t allowed over anymore. You know my dad; God forbid someone messes with his virginal bargaining chip.”

I’m being quippy when it’s the opposite of how I’m feeling.

Cillian’s fingers dig into the back of the couch, and even if I’m forcing a smile, his eyes burn with rage.

“Your father let him get away with it?”

“I don’t know.” I shake my head. “I never saw him again.”

“Who was he?”

“I don’t know his name.” I shrug. “And it doesn’t matter. Like I said, it’s in the past. I don’t want to talk about this anymore.”

Patting Birdie, she hops down, and I stand up.

“Odette.”

“I’m fine, Cillian.” I pause in front of him. “You forget I don’t come from a world any prettier than yours. Andwhile I’m sure this scar bothers you, I’m proud to wear it because it’s a reminder.”

“Of what?”

“Why I do what I have to do, no matter the price.” I roll my shoulders back, steadying my breath and trying to calm my racing heart. “Goodnight,husband.”

I turn and walk to the door with Birdie on my heels, and Cillian, thankfully, doesn’t try to stop me. There’s no helping him understand. I’ve spent my life surrounded by enemies, and being married to one is no different.

---