Page 44 of Dark Succession
It was obvious he’d recently been disillusioned on that front, or the bitterness would have faded by now. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault.”
Guilt flared, bringing with it the horrible mix of fear and panic. Teague was looking for Brendan’s killer—forher. What would he do if he realized he’d just made love to the very person he intended to turn over in his attempt to stop this war? Would he drag her from the bedroom and drive straight there?
Oh God, this is my worst nightmare come to life.
“Angel? Callie, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” The response was so automatic, it was out before she’d fully registered the question.
And, damn it, he knew it. He frowned, searching her face. “You’re lying.”
She had to put a stop to this conversation, sooner rather than later. Teague wasn’t stupid. The longer they spoke, the greater the chance she’d slip up and say something to help him connect the dots. She couldn’t allow that to happen. Callie moved to kiss him, but his grip tightened in her hair, keeping her scant inches from making contact.
“Tell me what’s wrong.”
She could actually see the peaceful oasis they’d created crumbling around them. “I’d rather not talk about it.”
“Just like the bruises.” His gaze fell to her throat, tracing the pattern that had long since faded away to nothingness.
“Teague, please.”
He seemed to be debating pushing her further. A small treacherous part of her almost welcomed it. The memory of Brendan’s death was like a festering wound inside her, poisoning everything around her. It would feel so good to share the burden.
But she couldn’t risk it.
She cared about Teague, but she wasn’t sure she could trust him—not with this. Because he was right in thinking that there was a good chance the identity of Brendan’s killer would put a stop to this entire mess. If she had a little less self-preservation and responsibility to her people, she might have even considered turning herself in on her own.
“You can trust me, Callie.”
Maybe. She knew he cared about her, but caring about someone he met a few short weeks ago and putting them before the family he so obviously loved, despite his issues with his father and older brother… Those were two very different things. Shewantedto tell him. But she couldn’t risk it. “It’s not that simple.” Nothing was simple anymore.
“You’re going to be my wife.” Tension ran through every muscle of his body, though little of it showed up in his voice. “You’re safe with me.”
“I know.” In every way that counted—except this one. She couldn’t expect him to put her before his family, and the fact that she wasn’t sure he would was enough to keep her silent. She lifted her head. “Idofeel safe with you, Teague. I haven’t felt safe in a long time. Can’t we just leave it at that?”
He stared, and she held her breath, hoping like hell that he couldn’t read every thought dancing across her face. “One day you will tell me.”
If she did, it would be the end of them. She was sure of it. Callie forced a small smile. “Yes.” She hoped he couldn’t tell she was lying through her teeth, because she didn’t want to fight. No, she wanted their reprieve back with a desire that bordered on desperation. So she keptgoing, words spilling out. “I promise. I’ll tell you one day.”
He didn’t look particularly happy to be put off, but he finally sighed. “I just want to keep you safe.”
An impossible need considering their current circumstances—Brendan aside—and they both knew it. She pressed a quick kiss to his lips and settled back against him. “I’m as safe as anyone can be in this world.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
Teague woke up to find Callie gone. He rolled over, staring at the ceiling, not bothering to check the rest of the apartment. She wasn’t here. Their conversation last night had been enough to send her fleeing, and he wasn’t sure if he should be pissed or grateful that she’d waited until he was asleep to sneak out like a thief in the night.
He’d almost forgotten that she was keeping things from him, and he couldn’t face down a threat he couldn’t see. Whoever had put those bruises on her throat was a threat. There was more to it, something he couldn’t shake the feeling he was missing… but that might be paranoia talking. Their current situation was enough to create anxiety in even the calmest of people. It could very well be only that bringing the fear into her blue eyes.
But he didn’t think so.
It was obvious she wasn’t going to open up to him, so he had to try a different tactic. Time to bring in the big guns. He reached for his phone and typed out a quick text to his older sister.I’ll be home in twenty. Need to talk.
Her reply was almost instantaneous.I’ll be in the attic.
The attic? Was she hiding up there? Worry he didn’t have time for and couldn’t afford rose. He hadn’t forgotten the increased pressure their father had put on her to make her decision. It seemed like the lesser of the issues they were facing, but it wasn’t to Carrigan. He had no doubt that was the fear at the forefront of her mind at all times.
