Page 21 of Corrupted Memories
My brother scoffs. “If it was the woman I loved, I’d scorch the earth before leaving her.”
Like SebastianI want to say, but hold in. Not because it will upset him being compared toSebastian, but because Sebastian has never said he loves me. Not once in the course of our entire relationship, and while I could assume it by his actions, there was never that reassurance by him simply stating it out loud. That reminder sparks my old annoyance and grates on my nerves.
“I can see the look on your face,” Matt says, shaking his head. “It is not the same.”
I swallow, turning away from him. “I know that. I just… I also know the man I dated in college, okay? It’s there. I felt it, Matt. I know he cares for me, or at least he did once.”
He comes to stand beside me. “I don’t have to remind you how manipulative men like Sebastian James are.”
Rolling my eyes, I laugh a little. “You think he dated me for over three years just to manipulate me? To what end?”
“You found those birth control pills. To trap you.”
I purse my lips. “We never confirmed that. It was just a hunch.”
“Don’t do that. Trust your gut instinct. You know what they were,” my brother scolds.
He’s right. I’m positive Sebastian replaced them with placebos, even if I hadn’t opened the packs yet. And I don’t know why I findmyself defending him. It’s not like he deserves my loyalty. I nod, not wanting to continue this conversation. We could talk circles around each other because we’re both stubborn.
“You’re going to agree to it, aren’t you?”
I don’t look up at him, not wanting to see the disappointment in his eyes. “Don’t you think I have to?” The rough whisper has me swallowing to ease the ache in my throat.
Matt sighs. “I’d find another way.”
I shrug. “Now you don’t have to. Either way, it will put an end to… everything.”
Us.An end to ushad almost slipped out. The end of us, but a twang of my heart stopped the word. Us ended a long time ago, or at least it should have. I’d convinced myself it had, but seeing him again made me realize the fire that is my love for him only simmered in my heart, and now it’s a blazing flame again. I either need to extinguish it once and for all, or keep fueling it until it burns us both.
My brother watches me cautiously for a few more seconds before shaking his head. “I’d be just as stupid and naive to say you’re not the best option, but I just wish you weren’t.”
A smile forms on my lips, accepting my brother’s form of apology for his earlier words. “I know.”
His throat bobs with a harsh swallow. “Then let’s get you ready to enter the wolf’s den.”
I laugh. “I thought it was a viper's nest?”
He rolls his eyes. “Whatever it is, it’s dangerous and I only care about my baby sister getting out.” Matt reaches over, tousling the hair on the top of my head with quick swipes of his hand. I swat at it, scowling when I put it back into place.
“Sibling tax,” he taunts, and I push him away.
Chapter 8
Sebastian
Swirlingthe pen in my hand, I pay no attention to the meeting going on around me. I had expected her to give in by now, and I know from the men I have watching her that she hasn’t run yet. By the time she left my office and went back home, I’d already put having her boyfriend fired in motion, regardless of what she chooses. It should persuade her to save his life.
Besides a brief text sayingfuck you, it’s been silent on her end. The days have stretched and the urge to track her down, throw her over my shoulder, and bring her home grows. But she has to come on her own if I have any chance of reconciliation.
It doesn’t help that I only have a few more months here before I need to return to the UK. I was never meant to stay stateside after college. I’ve only beenlingering in hopes of catching Gianna before settling down at home. I’d planned to convince her by the time we graduated to live with me in London, but that plan blew up and I couldn’t let go. Something inside me had latched onto Gianna that I couldn’t sever, and if I’m honest with myself I still don’t want to. She’s the first person outside of my family that took up space in my mind, and I couldn’t look away from her.
“And Manhattan?” One of the board investor’s questions interrupts my thoughts.
I frown, looking over at Nico who is watching me with concealed concern. “What about Manhattan?” I reply.
“If you’re returning to London, and Nico is staying in Chicago, who will man the Manhattan office?” the insolent, pudgy man asks.
My eyes narrow. “Chicago has always been headquarters. The New York office is nothing more than a shell. Any of the managers should be capable of running it.”
