Page 40 of Tainted Truth

“If you would have let me leave like I had planned, none of you would be in this mess! You can’t make decisions for me and then get angry with me about the consequences!”

The vein in his temple pulses. “If you would think things through, then I wouldn’t have to make choices for you.”

“Ash,” Zane cautions.

“No, Z. We all know something happened. She’s terrified of him, but she won’t tell us why. She has nightmares, and now we know she has flashbacks. If you’re that dedicated to helping her, then you need to know—weneed to know.”

Can they actually help me? Is that something I’m willing to accept from them?

Asher turns his menacing scowl on me. “Maybe you should just go.”

My heart stops.

This is what I wanted—what I’ve been trying to do. So why can’t I agree with him? Why can’t I get the words out?

Because you don’t actually want to leave.

“No!” Rio shouts.

Zane balls his fists. “You can’t kick her out. We all live here.”

“Someone needs to remain neutral when she’s the reason everything goes to shit. You two are in so deep that you don’t know what’s up and what’s down.”

Asher gathers his gun and wallet from the table by the front door. Before he leaves, he turns his attention back to me. “I have to go to a crime scene. When I get back, be here or don’t, but either way, your choice needs to be final.”

Zane’s knuckles turn white. “You’re only leaving because you don’t want to be here in case she leaves.”

Asher takes a deep breath. “If she wants to leave, don’t stop her—she’ll only resent you in the end. But if she stays, you better find a way to get some answers. You won’t like it if it’s me who questions her.” With that, the door shuts behind him.

The silence in the room creates a suffocating pressure.

Rio turns back to me, grabs my hand, and caresses it with the back of his thumb. “What’s it going to be, Mama?”

CHAPTER 16

SPENCER

My jaw slackens, and I openly stare at the two beautiful men in front of me. They stare back, waiting for the words to come out of my mouth. I know what they want to hear, and part of me wants to say it and believe that we all can be happy together. But the other part of me can’t forget Anthony’s words or what I know he’s capable of.

“I—I?—”

Zane’s eyes shut, and he turns his head away.

“You’re two are just going along with what Asher said? You’re going to make me choose?”

Rio squints and takes on a challenging tone. “You told me yesterday that you’re mine. Are you taking it back?”

“Ugh! You men are so frustrating!” I push in-between them and stomp to the living room. With my hands on my hips, I stop in front of the TV.

“What’s holding you back?” Zane’s presence appears right behind me. I want to lean backward into his body and use the strength he gives me.

“You know.” I lean my head down and stare at my feet.

Rio’s shoes enter my frame of vision. “No, we don’t. Asher’s right. You haven’t been honest.”

Fucking hell.

My gaze snaps up, and I narrow my eyes. He’s looking back with the same intensity and a glance over my shoulder lets me know Zane’s face is the same—scrutinizing and disappointed.

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