Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 33804 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 169(@200wpm)___ 135(@250wpm)___ 113(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33804 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 169(@200wpm)___ 135(@250wpm)___ 113(@300wpm)
"And yet, we're not the ones being hunted," Rain reminds me.
"No," I agree. "That's just because Xander hasn't decided he wants to get rid of you. But it's just a matter of time. If I were you, I'd stop underestimating him. You're no match for him, not really."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"You think you're smarter, that you're more ruthless, but you're wrong. Xander is a monster, and you'll learn that soon enough."
"You're stalling," Heath tells me. "Tell me the truth, or get the fuck out."
I chuckle. "That's it, isn't it? You can't do anything without me. Because the moment you let me leave, you'll be dead within the week. Xander won't stop until he gets what he wants, and it doesn't matter who or what stands in his way. And right now, I'm the only thing that can keep him from getting what he wants."
"Then why didn't he kill you at the mansion?"
"Because he wants me alive," I tell him. "He knows that's the only way to get what he wants. By making me suffer. By making Tallulah watch as I bleed."
"I'm still waiting for the reason," Heath growls, losing his patience.
"Why? Why does everyone want the same information?"
"Because Xavier did something unforgivable to his brother," Rain pipes up with a cold glare. "Isn't that right?"
"I did a lot of things. It depends on which sin you're referring to," I snicker.
"I'm not talking about sins," Rain replies. "I'm talking about a betrayal. The most unforgivable sin of them all."
"Ah, yes. That. It's not my fault, you know. We were always competing. He would have done the same."
"Really?" Rain hisses. "He would have taken your place? Just like that? Without a second thought?"
"That's not what happened," I snarl. I'm a little shocked Rain knows about this. I sure as fuck didn't tell her, so who did? Not even my wife knows the truth.
"I know exactly what happened," she argues.
"Enough," Heath orders her, placing his hand over hers. "Let him talk."
"Not in front of the kid," I say, glancing at Matilda. "I suggest we talk in your office before Tallulah wakes up, Heath."
"Fine." Rain stands up. "Let's go."
"You don't need to be there," I clarify.
"Of course I do!" Rain looks at her husband for backup, but Heath just stares at me intently.
"She's coming," he states.
"Suit yourself," I shrug. "But if you repeat this story to anyone else, I'll have no qualms in making you pay. Do you understand me, Rain?"
"Perfectly," she seethes.
"Good. Then let's get this over with."
"Wait," Mathilda pipes up, standing up. She glares at her mother and points a finger in her direction. "I'd like to know, too."
I laugh out loud. "She's too young for this shit. How old are you now, Mathilda? Twelve?"
"I have to agree," Rain nods. "Mathilda. Your room."
"But I-"
"Go," Heath barks, and Mathilda's mouth snaps shut. The young girl glances at me once again before running off, leaving us alone in the large dining room.
"She doesn't need to hear this," Rain repeats.
"Agreed," Heath says.
"Well, then. After you." I motion to the doors, and Rain and Heath exchange a glance before walking through the doors and heading to his office.
"In here," Heath motions for a door. We all pile inside, and I walk over to the window, looking outside. It's a nice view, and I can see the window of Tallulah's childhood room where I tucked her in last night from here. I hope she'll be able to forgive me for what's about to happen.
"Are you going to tell us, or are we supposed to read your mind?" Rain hisses, crossing her arms.
"You're so annoying," I mutter.
"So are you. Hurry the fuck up. Or should I remind you of how badly Xander wants to hurt you, and my daughter?"
"Our daughter," Heath corrects her. "And that won't be necessary, Rain."
"It's no secret Xander wants to hurt me. He's said as much on more than one occasion," I remind them.
"He said he was going to make you pay," Heath replies. "And my daughter is in danger because of him, isn't she?"
My mouth remains clamped shut, and my nephew bangs his fist on the desk.
"All those death threats," Rain says softly. "He's never going to stop, is he?"
"No. He won't."
"And this is why, isn't it?" she continues. "Because Xavier was the first to betray his brother. Right, Xavier?"
"Rain," Heath warns. "You're not helping."
"It's fine," I shrug. "She's right. That's exactly why."
"You're his brother," Rain continues, shaking her head. "How could you betray him?"
"I'm a scorpion, just like the rest of them. And just like the rest of them, I'm a bastard."
"Then explain," Heath urges me. "I've never been interested in your past, but now it seems crucial. How did you do it? And when?"
"You know the story, don't you, Rain? Did you hear it from Xander himself?"
"No," she admits. "I got it from his wife, Ivette. You remember her, right?"