Page 133 of Corrupt Me

I don’t think we could even consider something different. Ever since we were children, we have gravitated toward each other, needing to be close.

No wonder what I feel for Blake surpasses friendship. While I love and would do anything for my friends, I would do just a tad more for him. Now I know why.

“We’ll end as we began—distrusting each other. I never wanted the role of matriarch. Look what is left of my generation: one dead, another a traitor on the run, and one who helped them escape. I want to give you a better start. Not only did I promise my mother, but you have been through too much.”

She approaches me and takes my hand in hers, giving it a little squeeze.

“I had your mother followed,” she confesses.

My heart clenches at her regret. She’s genuinely a good person, ashamed of tailing Rebecca. My mother deserves so much worse for everything she’s caused.

“But Caleb? I don’t understand.” The words catch in my throat. I can’t believe that horrible man was my father.

“My guess is that it was another game for Rebecca. When she realized what happened, she tried to hide it. But I don’t know the whole story. You’ll have to ask her. I’m sorry, but I need your help, Bailey.”

“What do you need me to do?” I ask, not needing to think about my answer. Duty and revenge motivate me to do whatever it takes. The ones responsible for hurting our family will pay.

Cassandra smiles at me, relief stretching the corners of her eyes. Then she pulls me into her arms, where I remain limp for way too long. But I yearn for a maternal hug so damn much. My parents never hugged me. Tears well in my eyes, and they fall in a constant stream until I try to pull away, not wanting to ruin her blouse.

“It’s okay, Bailey. You are a beautiful, genuine, smart woman—I am so proud of you. I am so sorry you didn’t get the love you deserved. That none of you did.”

“We had each other.” That has kept us strong and focused. We have loved each other, and it has been compensation enough.

She keeps hugging me until I am ready to pull away.

“Thank you.”

“No need to thank me. How are you feeling?” she asks, and we both settle back into the armchairs.

“I don’t know.” It’s the truth. My mind is too much of a mess to see through the thick fog clouding my judgment.

“We know for sure that Rebecca was the one who helped Caleb and Felix escape. And that she is the one in contact with Felix.”

“What will happen to her?” I ask more out of curiosity than of concern for my mother.

“Normally, the bigger the affront to the Family, the harder the punishment. This betrayal overshadows everything. I haven’t decided yet, but we still need her help to find Felix.”

“Whatever you need from me, I’ll do it,” I say resolutely.

To find some modicum of peace, I must confront her. I’ll never know freedom if I’m constantly looking over my shoulder. I’ll also do it for the child in me who never got parental love. Maybe then I can put the feeling of being unwanted behind me. I am my mother’s biggest mistake. I am the reminder that she cheated on her husband and lied to her lover about who my real father is.

I feel my brows furrowing. “Why did it take you so long to tell me?”

A broken smile paints her face. “I had my suspicions about whether Felix was really your father and recently confirmed them. But you were finally starting to be happy, Bailey. I wanted it to last longer, but the Family’s secrets get out eventually, dampening everything. You and Hunter… He is a good man, and I like how you two have evolved since you met.”

“Were you trying to play matchmaker with the vacation?” I ask, genuinely interested.

“I guess I wasn’t as subtle as I thought.” She tries to hide her satisfied grin, but her knowing look gives her away. “I saw how you two looked at each other when neither of you thought the other was watching. Those glares didn’t fool me. There’s no stronger bond than love. You deserve that. And so does he.”

I shrug, sighing. “We’re broken like that.”

“Broken people love the hardest. They cherish it more and hold on to it once they find it.”

I nod, knowing deep in my soul that it’s true.

“Ready to confront them?”

“Ready,” I reply. Cassandra calls for Samuel, who comes inside and brings her a small box. When she opens it, I stare at the metallic bracelet inside.

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