Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 24323 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 122(@200wpm)___ 97(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24323 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 122(@200wpm)___ 97(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
"For making you feel like my parents were more important." I wrap my arms around myself, suddenly cold despite the warmth of the apartment.
"They were." His tone is flat, final.
I can see he really believes this, and it hurts. The ache settles beneath my ribs, familiar and sharp.
"We've never talked about it," I hear myself say unevenly, "but I was seven when they adopted me. Since then, they made me feel like I had to earn their love. And their approval. So, my whole life, since becoming a Quinn, that was all I wanted. And that was why...when I married you—-"
"It turned out to be the biggest mistake of your life?" Keiran asks mockingly. He moves closer, close enough that I can smell his soap, see the tiny scar near his temple I used to trace with my fingertip.
I slowly shake my head, my eyes never leaving his. "Marrying you was the only time I disobeyed my parents. And I just felt so guilty over that I just wanted to make it up to them. They've given me everything—-"
"Stop lying to yourself," Keiran bites out. His jaw tightens, a muscle jumping beneath the skin. "They didn't give you anything."
"Keiran—-" I reach for him instinctively, my fingers stopping just short of touching his arm.
"If they really gave you everything, then why did they make you feel like you had to pay them back?"
My lips part, but no words come out. I feel like I've been struck, not with violence but with truth.
I really thought I had it all figured out by now.
But just like before—-
Keiran is always the one to open my eyes to the truth, no matter how uncomfortable.
"You're right," I hear myself whisper. "You're absolutely right." My heart shatters at each word, but it's the reality I have to face. "My parents did make me feel like I owed it to them to be the perfect daughter, and that's why marrying you made me feel so guilty."
"If it's any comfort," Keiran says tauntingly, "I'm sure they'll be singing a different tune this time, now that I'm no longer a pauper—-"
I'm shaking my head again, and his lips tighten into a thin line.
"I didn't feel guilty about marrying you because you weren't rich." My voice trembles but grows stronger with each word.
"There's no need to pretend," Keiran says impatiently. "You have no other reason—-"
"I felt guilty about marrying you because my parents knew...the moment I disobeyed them." My eyes fill with tears I refuse to let fall. "T-They knew..."
"Knew what?" Keiran demands.
"T-That I loved you more than I ever loved them, and always would."
Keiran
ONE WEEK AGO
The little cottage wasn't so little. Four bedrooms, wraparound porch, private beach access. The kind of "modest" hideaway that cost seven figures in Martha's Vineyard.
Marvin had chosen well—an island sanctuary where the wealthy went to escape. Far enough from Harbour Locke to avoid the press, exclusive enough to keep out unwanted visitors.
But not far enough to keep out Keiran.
He didn't bother knocking. The security system disarmed under his touch—money well spent on the information his men had gathered. Inside, the cottage was all bleached wood and nautical blues, trying too hard to seem casual when every fixture screamed luxury.
Voices drifted from the back deck. Keiran followed them.
"The lawyers think they can delay for another month," Marvin was saying, a glass of red wine dangling from his fingers. "By then, the media will have moved on to someone else's scandal."
"And Cadence?" Gail asked, her voice slightly tremulous. "Have you spoken to her?"
"Not since last week. She'll be fine—that restaurant of hers is doing well enough. Always was a stubborn girl."
Keiran stepped through the French doors. "A quality she didn't inherit from either of you."
The speed with which Marvin's face drained of color was almost comical. The wine glass slipped from his fingers, shattering on the deck.
"How did you—"
"Get past your security?" Keiran smiled without warmth. "The same way I got past the federal agents watching your accounts. The same way I got the proof of your embezzlement. The same way I found out who you really owe money to."
Gail's hand fluttered to her throat. "We don't know what you're talking about."
"Four million to the Costello family," Keiran said flatly. "An organization not known for its patience or forgiveness."
Marvin rose shakily to his feet. "What do you want?"
"To deliver a message." Keiran moved closer, enjoying the way Marvin flinched. "Stay away from Cadence."
"She's our daughter—"
"She's collateral damage in your pathetic attempt to save yourselves." Keiran's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "And I won't let you use her again."
"We've never used her," Gail protested weakly.
Keiran turned his cold gaze on her. "You made her believe she owed you for adopting her. Made her feel like she had to earn your love. And when she finally found happiness, you destroyed it with lies."