Page 126 of Sacrifice (Corrupt Empire 2)

“Frazier has been visiting with increased frequency. He was in twice last week. Do you want to tell me why?”

I sighed, leaning back in my chair.

“He wants me to get engaged to Tristan.”

I didn’t see the point in holding back the truth. In all honesty, I was curious what my uncle thought about it. Did he agree? Did he also want me marrying into the Shaws?

His expression darkened significantly.

“And what do you think about that?”

“I don’t like Tristan nor do I want to be his wife.”

He fiddled with the arm of the chair for a long moment. His expression was still dark.

“Mitch wanted the two of you to be together.”

“I know. We argued over it. He conceded and said it was ultimately my choice. Now, I don’t feel like I have a choice at all.”

He leant forward in his seat.

“There is always a choice, Avery. Always.”

I looked away, trying to work out why he’d say something like that to me.

“Is there? Do you think I should?”

“Honestly? No. Frazier was Mitch’s friend, not mine. His son is a prick.”

My eyes met his. He looked entirely serious. I had no idea he felt that way.

“Is that why you insisted I have a bodyguard?”

“Partially. Look, I know we never spoke of what happened when you were young. I know it was wrong and I apologise for that. Contrary to what you might think of me, I don’t want you to be subjected to an abusive relationship you can’t escape from. That is all you would get if you married Tristan.”

I bit the inside of my cheek. I hadn’t misheard him. He’d just apologised to me again and this time for what he’d tried to do to me when I was a kid. Who was this man in front of me? He didn’t sound like my uncle at all.

“Thank you for saying that.”

“It’s the truth. Don’t marry Tristan. No matter how many times Frazier insists you should. Don’t trust either of them.”

“Don’t you trust them?”

He shook his head.

“No. There are very few people I trust in this world. The Shaws do not count amongst that number.”

I stored away that titbit of information to mull over with Aiden later. Perhaps we could use his distrust to our advantage. I didn’t know how, but Aiden might.

“I’ll take your advice into consideration.”

He stood up.

“I’ll get you the keys for your parent’s penthouse. I suppose it’s the least I can do.”

I nodded as he left the room before pulling out my phone.

ME: Getting the keys.

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