Page 59 of Vow To The Devil

I gape at Tristan, wide-eyed.

"And the right reason is Talia."

Tristan tosses back the rest of his drink and stands.

"Now, I'm going to go home and fuck my wife. You should do the same."

"Tristan..." I say his name as a plea. I want him to guide me, not leave.

"Go to her," Tristan urges. "Beg her forgiveness if you must. Tell her the truth—that you love her with all your scarred and battered heart. Before it's too late."

His advice is at war with years of instinct. I've never trusted easily or given second chances. But for Talia...perhaps I could try.

I drain my drink and rise to my feet, determination steeling my spine. "Thank you," I say simply.

Tristan's lips curve. "Don't thank me yet. Just go get your girl."

I nod and stride from the room, my path now clear. I won't give up on Talia without a fight. She's the light that led me out of darkness, the balm for my wounded soul. And if Tristan is right, if she truly loves me... then our story isn't over yet.

ChapterTwenty-Seven

DARE

The yacht's engines rumble beneath my feet as we glide across the dark waters. Dare sits opposite me, his shoulders hunched, eyes downcast. The tension between us fills the cabin like a dense fog.

I've made him bring me here for a purpose. I want to clear the air for a final time rather than spend the rest of my life bickering with Dare. And I figure that here, he's less likely to throw up so many walls that I will have to climb over.

Now that we are both here though, I find my pretty, elegant thoughts have all run away. Dare is staring at the floor like he's lost in thought.

I find myself studying him. His features are sharp and chiseled, as if they were carved from stone. His eyes are an unnervingly electric blue, and I can see the pain and regret etched in them. He's perfect, and yet so flawed.

Then again, aren't we all?

I clear my throat. "Dare, we need to talk. Really talk this time. No more sniping. We're going to have a baby soon and we need to figure out how to love each other and have each other's backs before she gets here. I won't raise my baby around conflict and shouting."

His eyes flick up to meet mine briefly before dropping again. He nods, the movement barely perceptible.

"Agreed."

My heart aches at the distance between us. I reach across the polished wood table, grasping for his hand. His fingers remain limp in mine. I swallow against the lump in my throat.

"Please, look at me," I whisper.

Finally he raises his head. The pain in his eyes pierces my soul. I grip his hand tighter.

"You and this baby are everything to me." My voice cracks. "I need to know what the real issue is. We've both got to get every single piece of baggage out on the table. We need to unzip those bandages and let the wounds breathe while we are on this boat. If we don't face the future together, it will eat us alive."

Dare searches my face.

"I have spent so many sleepless nights worrying that you are just with me for my money and prestige."

My mouth opens in surprise. "What?"

"I've been saying that for a while now."

I blink. "I didn't know you were serious about it."

It's like a dam breaks loose in Dare's heart and the deluge that floods out is the most toxic, damaging stuff that he's been keeping inside for too long.

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