Page 52 of Colt

“No, my ancestor is,” I corrected gently, “Though there is a familial link there, albeit tenuous. Anne and Henry never had children; ours is through marriage, not blood. When it comes to the British royal family, it’s only blood links that count for anything.”

“That’s true to a point,” she countered. “But there’s always been a question mark over the legitimacy of Edward IV. Apparently, his parents were over a hundred miles apart when he was conceived.”

I barked a laugh.

There she went again, challenging me. Was it any wonder Freya caught my attention? She was a bit of a history lover, so I wasn’t shocked she knew about British royal ancestry. I fucking loved how brilliant and knowledgeable Freya was. Loved how deeply she thought and how eloquently she put those thoughts into words.

Not many people impressed me, but she got the job done without even trying.

She was goddamned perfect.

My prez and the club weren’t interested in where I came from. That was the beauty of being a Demon; I could be myself without all the bullshit that came along with my family name.I wasn’t shocked Freya knew about me. I also wasn’t surprised she hadn’t breathed a word to anyone. She’d been raised with a code of honor ingrained into her. A code I hadn’t discovered until I joined the military and later, the club.

“You asked me why I never wanted to go home,” I reminded her.

Freya nodded.

“I was engaged,” I admitted. “I called off the wedding and enlisted.”

“You jilted your fiancée?” she breathed, shock lacing her tone.

“No,” Freya,” I muttered. “The weddin’ was still a month away when I walked in on her in bed with my father.”

I could almost feel the shock swirling through the SUV as I concentrated on the road.

“Your father?” she croaked. “But your family’s part of New York’s high society. How could he do it to you? How couldshedo it to you?”

“You think rich people are decent, Princess?” I asked, shooting her a glance.

“Not necessarily,” she denied. “But I never imagined it would be like living in an upscale version of the Jerry Springer show.”

I snorted humorlessly. “You’d be shocked if you knew half the shit that goes on. The corruption alone is disgustin’. That’s without the lyin’, cheatin’, and the fucked-up business deals. My father’s had mistresses since before my mom married him. He stopped hiding it when I was a teenager. No need to; it’s not like she’ll leave him. Mom can only get through the day by swallowing copious amounts of booze and pills, but at least she’s got the pool boy and her yoga instructor to take the edge off.” I barked a staid laugh. “Can’t really blame her. My father doesn’t give a shit about her wellbeing.”

“Maybe everyone’s got damage caused by their parents, me included,” Freya murmured. “But your dad carried out the most heinous act possible, aided and abetted by the woman whose job was to love you above all others. Of course it left a deep mark on you.”

“The betrayal was all my father’s,” I explained. “I don’t blame Victoria. Our marriage was arranged before we were born. I didn’t love her, and she probably didn’t love me either. I liked her, but only because growin’ up, I knew we’d marry. It made things easier if I made a conscious effort. My sister Cordelia’s wedding was arranged on the day she was born too. She went ahead with it, but her life turned ugly fast. Now she’s stuck with a man just like our father, who cheats and lies. Eventually, he’ll wear her down to be the same sad, bitter woman my mom is.”

She cocked her head questioningly. “Do you have any contact with them at all?”

My heart squeezed. “I speak to Mom and my sisters occasionally,” I admitted. “Told ‘em they don’t have to stay in New York. They’ve all got personal money in trust funds and shares from our grandparents. It’s not finances keepin’ ‘em tied to him. They’re scared to leave the lifestyle. It’s all they’ve ever known.”

My skin warmed at the soothing hand Freya laid on my arm. “I’m sorry he did that to you. It makes me kinda grateful for my dad.”

“Your dad’s the shit,” I agreed. “Doin’ this with you brings up a lotta guilt. I don’t like goin’ behind his or my brothers’ backs, but I can live without them. Not sure now if I can live without you.”

I heard her sharp intake of breath.

It was probably too much too soon, but now I had her, everything had fallen into place. What was the point in playing games when me and Freya were meant to be together? I was beginning to feel gratitude for Shep. He’d spurred me to claim my girl. The course of my life was changing drastically, but as long as Freya was by my side, I didn’t care.

“How do you know already?” she whispered. “You’ve only been getting to know me properly for a few days.”

I reached over and clasped her thigh. “No, baby. I’ve been gettin’ to know you for twelve years. I think I’ve always known deep down that you’d be mine one day, but you were too young for me.” I smiled. “You probably still are.”

“Is that why you pulled away?” she inquired, biting her lip nervously.

“No,” I replied, voice thick with emotion. “I pulled away because you were a choice I wasn’t ready to make. I couldn’t see past the club. I knew I couldn’t have you and stay.”

“And now you’re ready to leave?” she asked. “Are you sure?”

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