Page 128 of Betrayal (Corrupt Empire 1)

“I’d love to see some of your drawings one day,” Tina said.

“She can bring some next time.”

Avery nodded, sipping her tea. She smiled at me. I wanted Tina to like her despite her family. Avery was the fucking brightest star in the sky. And if I could, I’d hold her close and never let go.

But that was never an option for the two of us. Not with my plans. Ones I was aware I’d have to tell her about sooner rather than later. I hated myself for it. Fucking hated every part of it.

Avery wouldn’t forgive me. I wasn’t even sure she’d agree at this point. She cared about me. Told me she’d fight for me. Help me destroy her family. What she didn’t know is I wanted to take down more than just the Daniels. I was going to burn their empire to the ground and everyone involved. That meant going up against worse foes than just Chuck. So much fucking worse.

And I was about to throw Avery right in the middle of the lion’s den.

Come the new year, everything would change.

And this thing between the two of us might just be lost forever.

The thing I refused to admit or acknowledge.

Avery Daniels had something of mine and I had something of hers.

If she left me when I told her the truth, I’d fucking break.

I let her have power over me.

And the day I realised that was the beginning of the end.

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