Page 71 of Revelation (Love Isn't What It Seems 3)

But evidence doesn’t lie.

The toxicology report clearly showed that I was under the influence. God, I killed my own mother and my boyfriend.

I'd made an appointment with the bank to pick up the money after my lunch with Liberty. Since that went out the window, due to my clumsiness, I decided to go early. I needed to get the cash for my blackmailer.

Heading to the bank, I focused on things I could control right now. Which was very little, it would seem. I could control having cash, finding an apartment, excelling at my job, figuring out this thing with Maxim… if he still wanted me in his bed between Revelation and the blackmail discovery.

I still couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that Daniel and Maxim owned that place. Daniel I could see owning it, but Maxim… hmmm, but there was a darkness I sensed in him from the moment we met. And the way Luke controlled me that night, bringing me pleasure, but only after I begged for it.

My skin felt warm with those memories. What if Maxim and Luke were one and the same? I wiped those wonderfully, filthy orgasms out of my mind or risked walking through the bank turned on and horny.

Since I was early, the cash wasn’t ready. They were used to me by now making these odd, cash only requests. I remembered how they eyed me suspiciously the first time and second, but then it was as if they expected it.

“Miss Cambridge,” the teller greeted me.

“Hello. I know I am a bit earlier than my scheduled appointment. Any chance I could get my withdrawal now?”

She just smiled her diplomatic smile. “Of course. Let me take you to the lounge area and you can make yourself comfortable. It shouldn’t be long.”

I followed her to the little secluded area and sat down

“Would you like anything to drink?”

“No, thank you.” I just wanted to get back home as soon as possible.

She headed back to her desk.

I can’t keep living like this. I had to get my shit together. I drifted from day to day, hoping to survive another year to pay my fucking blackmailer.

Well, until now,I justified myself. Getting my job with the foundation felt good but eventually the money from Revelation would run out. Right now, I was at the blackmailer’s complete mercy. Tomorrow, the ransom could demand a million and I would be powerless.

Obviously, I couldn’t go back to Revelation. Not now that I knew Maxim and Daniel owned it. Besides, after the other night, I knew I couldn’t be with another man, unless it was Maxim, regardless of what he was willing to pay. Assuming, Maxim still wanted me after the fiasco at lunch today.

I couldn’t even fathom how good it would feel to have an actual, functioning relationship. And the possibility of having a family of my own one day. Right now, Livy was pretty much the only family and friend I had. Now, talk about pathetic.

“Miss Cambridge, you are all set.” A voice startled me, making me jump in my seat.

I raised my eyes to find Mr. George, the bank manager that I have known forever, that handed me the bank bag with the cash I needed. Blackmailer! I had to figure out how to end it. This was no way to live the rest of my life.

“Thank you very much, Mr. George.”

“Anytime, dear. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

I shook my head and offered him a smile. “Thank you for accommodating me earlier.”

I almost felt like telling him I’d see him next year, with a two hundred thousand cash request but kept the words to myself. Stuffing the bank bag into my purse, I headed out of the bank. The sooner I get rid of it, the better. I hated having that much cash on me.

It started to drizzle, but instead of calling a cab, I kept on walking. The weather was still warm enough where it didn’t feel like a cold, fall rain. The weather kind of matched my mood, as I started walking towards my place, all the while different thoughts swirled in my mind.

What if I went to the police? I pondered. Just give them the report, tell them what happened that night and admit that I have been paying ransom for the past ten years. Let chips fall where they may.

I couldn’t do this for the rest of my life. Maybe that was the reason I haven’t done anything with my life and keep waiting to start something of significance. My grandparents hated me. Yet, I punished myself and visited them every month. Liberty was right, the blackmailer was the only reason I haven’t cut ties with them sooner. Now they would probably cut ties with me and maybe get me fired. Hell, maybe they would tell Daniel and Maxim I caused my mother’s and Brian’s deaths.

I didn’t have a career worth speaking of, until Maxim and Daniel offered me a position at their foundation. Did I earn it though?

I haven’t been in a single relationship that lasted longer than a month. No friends. I have a wonderful sister though. And a nephew.

Would Liberty turn her back on me if I told her what happened? It was my biggest fear. Losing my sister. That scared me even more than going to prison.

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