Page 107 of Wicked Duty
I straighten and put some distance between us, raking my fingers through my hair. “Okay, maybe that part is what you think, but there’s more to it than me just getting off.”
Darren’s expression remains stony. “You’ve got ten seconds to tell me what the hell is going on.”
“Not now. I need to?—”
“Yes,now.”
“Enough.” Shane’s commanding voice slices right through the tension binding us together. “Callum, you can deal with your love life later. Right now, we have matters to discuss.” The crypto wallet glints in the early evening light as Shane lifts it. “Namely…how we’re going to use thisto undo Viktor Roguilin for good.”
Chapter 41
Lucy
I’m washed away. A valley village devastated by a flood.
I trusted Callum.
Slept with him when I never thought I’d be able to do that with another man again.
He told me his stories. I told him mine. We went on an actual date. He slept in my bed and held me. All night.
And every single moment was a lie.
I let myself fall for a two-faced bastard. And all for what? Did I really think that man, made of nothing but cold, heartless stone, could really care about me?
As soon as Nika helps me into an SUV in the Gallagher garage, I burst into tears. She buckles my seat belt for me as if I’m a child again. While she gets behind the wheel, I yank my knees up to my chest and cry, hard and furious and ugly.
Even after we’re both in the vehicle, she doesn’t start the engine. I’m sure Nika wants to comfort me, but there’s nothing to say. There’s nothing anyone can do that will take this gutting pain away from me.
“Are your things still at Callum’s place?” She’s angry, which gives me a morsel of comfort.
I nod because I still can’t speak through the sobs.
She reverses out of the parking space, and we’re gone, speeding out and away from the Gallagher estate. Forever, with any luck.
I hiccup after we’ve put the damn palace in the rearview mirror, my tears slowly dissipating. “When did you learn to drive?”
Her expression remains pinched with concern. “Darren taught me a few months ago.”
I wipe my arm over my face. “Oh.”
“Lucy.” She inhales sharply. “I’m so sorry about what happened back there. I don’t know what’s going on or why Callum did what he did, but I promise you that the only assignment we gave him was to protect you. If I find out that Darren knew about whatever’s been going on behind our backs, I’ll…” Rage flits across her face. “I don’t know what I’ll do.”
“Don’t worry about it, Nika.” I swipe at my nose. “I don’t blame you. And neither will Maya. This situation is my fault, and all of you should blame me.”
Nika’s head snaps in my direction. “What are you talking about, Lu? You’ve been focused on a competition all this time while managing everything else going on. Callum took advantage of your vulnerable situation. And that’s not okay.”
“I’m the one who fell in love with him.” The truth of my words crashes over me the instant they pass my lips. I love Callum…and he’s a liar. “He didn’t seduce me or anything. In fact, he was cold and mean almost the whole time. He kept things entirely professional between us. I was the one who…who…”
She reaches across the console to grab my hand. “Stop, Lucy. You’re not at fault, and that’s the end of it.”
I squeeze her hand. Fresh tears clog my throat.
“And, you know, it’s okay.” She smiles warmly. “To fall in love with someone you shouldn’t. It’s okay to let yourself openup some. And now, you know the truth about him. So you can pick yourself up and restart. Just like I taught you when we were kids.” Her smile becomes a little mischievous. “How about we stay up late watching movies tonight, and I’ll make you some hot chocolate?”
I manage a watery laugh. “Counterclockwise and three marshmallows?”
“You got it.”
