Page 112 of Betrayal (Corrupt Empire 1)

“Tell. Me.”

“I told you already. He accused us of sleeping together and I denied it.”

“That is not all. I’m giving you one last chance to be honest with me.”

Her eyes flashed again. This time with fear.

“I just feel shit. He’s having a hard time with his dad again and I wasn’t there. He’s abusive, strict and a workaholic. I know my family’s track record is sick, but what Zach has done to his kids is all kinds of fucked up. James hasn’t told me everything, but I know enough.”

I released my hold on her immediately. I knew Zachary Benson was a piece of work, but abusing his own kids? That’s just fucked.

Tears welled in her eyes. Fuck. No wonder she’d been tense.

“It’s my fault you weren’t there.”

“No. I’m not placing blame on anyone here. Please, can we just not talk about him? He won’t tell anyone where I am. There’s things I can’t explain and I need you to trust me when I say it’s better left in the past.”

What the fuck would she have trouble explaining? A suspicion took hold and it wouldn’t fucking leave.

“Avery, if this is what I think it is…”

Her face fell.

“Aiden, please, please don’t.” She took hold of my face with both hands. “I’m begging you. Don’t. My life is an open book to you, but not my friendship with him. Okay? Please.”

I didn’t like it. Not at all. Her expression fucking killed me. Secrets only ended up hurting people. Was she doing this to protect me or him? Or was it both of us?

“Who are you protecting here?”

“It doesn’t matter. I’m asking for one thing. Can’t you do that for me? Please.”

She kissed me. Her lips gentle. Fuck. How on earth could I deny her?

“Please,” she whispered.

I cupped the back of her neck with one hand, deepening the kiss.

“Okay, I won’t ask you about it, for now,” I said as I pulled away.

“Thank you.”

“However, you are going to tell me what the fuck you were dreaming about last night and I won’t tolerate any excuses as to why not.”

She sighed, her hands falling on my chest.

“I never told you what I saw that time you locked me in the cell again. My parents asked me to avenge them and take away your life.”

“You saw both of them?”

They told her to kill me. What the actual fuck? All this shit had seriously fucked with her head. And who was responsible for that? Me.

“Yes. It was awful. I told them no. I wouldn’t… You know I can’t do that.”

She looked away, her eyes full of pain.

“You should’ve told me.”

“How could I? You forced me to watch those videos afterwards. You wouldn’t let me talk.”

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