Page 34 of Reckless Promises

I nod, thinking about how Fallon lit up around her brother. How she spoke to him like he’s not the man who bought me at an auction and then told me I’m nothing more than something he’ll use to take down his enemy. She looked at him like she still sees a soul I’m not sure is there.

“My sister is everything to me.” I glance over at him, blinking back my tears as sadness is replaced with determination. “I know how men like you think. You burn it all down, not caring who gets caught in the flames. But she doesn’t deserve that. Neither does my mother.”

“Your mother stood by while your father sold you.” His tone is harsh—angry. And even though he’s the one who bought me, he sounds genuinely upset about the fact that they gave him the option.

“She didn’t have a choice. Just like I won’t when I stand at your side.” My teeth grind.

“Are you asking me to spare your mother and sister?”

I swallow hard. “Yes.”

“That’s not a promise I can make, Odette.” He shakes his head, bursting what little hope floated to the surface. “You’re here because your father was dumb enough to put himself in a vulnerable position. Gabriel won’t do that again. Your mom and sister are where they are.”

As much as I hate what Cillian’s saying, I know he’s right. My father has no doubt doubled security on the entire family after what happened at the auction. If this goes down in a battle, there’s no controlling who will be part of the bloodbath.

Unless I can stop it from getting to that.

“What if I do help you then?” I ask Cillian. “Willingly.”

“I expect you to either way.” He smirks.

“Funny.” I roll my eyes, and it draws a flicker of amusement from him. “But I’m serious. If I help you take down my father, will you at least promise totryand help get them out? Mom and Gen don’t have anything to do with this. And now that we’re married, they aren’t safe there. Sascha said—”

I choke on the thought. Air catches in my lungs when I try to say it.

“What did he say to you?”

I shake my head, wishing it could make me forget. “He’ll go after Gen next, and she’s only nineteen.”

Cillian doesn’t flinch because he’s probably not surprised. Not that he looks happy about it either.

“You could just try,” I beg him like he’ll care enough to listen. “For me.”

He’s made it clear I don’t matter. But I throw it out anyway. He gave me the dress and the dog, so maybe he’ll give me this.

Cillian rakes his brown hair back and sighs. “I’ll see what I can do. But Odette, I don’t make promises I can’t keep, so that’s the best I can give you.”

“I understand.” It’s better than him saying no.

Besides, Cillian might be ruthless, but he doesn’t strike me as someone who goes back on his word. So if he’s at least willing to try and keep my mom and sister out of this, I have no choice but to trust him.

Turning my face toward the window, I take a deep breath. I’m a survivor; I can get through this.

“Where did you get that?” Cillian leans in, grazing his finger along the scar that rests just under my jaw, and my face drains of blood at his question.

He drops his hand, and I quickly cover my skin, hiding the mark that lives right at the spot where my jaw meets my neck. It’s usually hidden by my hair, so he must not have noticed it yet.

“I scratched myself.” I shift my hair in front of my shoulder to hide it.

Cillian’s teeth clench, darkness brewing in his gaze. “You don’t know me well, Odette. But believe me when I say I’m not someone you can easily lie to. It’s not a scratch. Who gave that to you?”

“It doesn’t matter.” I shake my head. “It was years ago.”

“You’re my wife. Any mark on your skin matters. No matter how long it’s been.”

“I—”

“Odette, answer the question.”

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