By admin Hubby 1
I never thought those words would come out of Cassian’s mouth.
Just the night before, he’d held me close, whispering that justice would prevail, that everything would be okay.
Now here he was, the one who’d orchestrated my father’s downfall.
I stumbled toward him, grabbing his shirt with shaking hands. When I spoke, my voice came out raw and broken.
“Why? Cassian, why would you do this?”
He pried my fingers off his collar, held my hands in his. His eyes were flat, emotionless.
Like I said, your father killed someone. Actions have consequences.”
But you know damn well it was self–defense! If he hadn’t fought back, he’d be the one who-”
Doesn’t matter, Nerina.” His voice cut through mine. “I promised Selene I’d protect her. Her future can’t have that kind of stain on it.”
stared up at his face–so calm, so indifferent.
So my father’s life… doesn’t matter?”
You’re worried about Selene’s reputation, but what about mine? What about my dad? How do we wash away this mess?”
assian’s jaw tightened. “You don’t need to worry about that. You’re a Blackwell now–nobody’s gonna say shit about my wife.” His tone was matter–of–fact. When your old man gets out, I’ll set him and your mother up somewhere nice. Europe, maybe. They’ll be comfortable.”
bitter laugh escaped me. Tears started falling before I could stop them.
So for the rest of our lives, we just live according to your plans, your rules?”
omething dark flickered across his features. “Nerina, you need to learn when to back the fuck down.”
This case is closed.”
ack down?
yanked my hands free from his grip, fury burning in my chest.
What if I don’t?”
assian went completely still. When he spoke, his voice dropped to that deadly quiet tone.
You should know by now–without witnesses, you can appeal this thing a hundred times. Same result every time.”
le stepped doser, his breath warm against my ear, but his gaze drifted to something behind me.
And sweetheart… you really don’t want people dying on your account, do you?”
My blood turned to ice. I spun around.
The witness stood there, biting her lip so hard it might bleed, her face white as paper.
I knew right then–she’d never testify for my father. Not now, not ever.
“You son of a bitch.”
All the fight drained out of me, leaving nothing but crushing disappointment.
Chapter 1
I turned and walked away on unsteady legs.
At the end of the alley, Selene Hartwick waited, wrapped in Cassian’s jacket.
When she saw me, her eyes turned venomous.
“That’s it? You’re just walking away?”
“Shouldn’t the murderer’s daughter be on her knees at my brother’s grave, begging forgiveness?”
I let out a hollow laugh. “Murderer? If my dad hadn’t shown up, your brother would be a rapist.”
“And you’d be nothing but a cheap-”
Cassian’s hand clamped over my mouth from behind, cutting off my words.
Nerina.” His voice was deadly quiet. “The girl’s got a point. Someone from your family pays their respects to Elias. Either you do it, or your mother does.”
twisted to look at his face, trying to find some trace of the man who used to say he loved me.
How had he become this monster?