Page 24 of King of Deception

“I… um… I’m wondering what happened between Roman, Luke, and Mason.”

Leo lets out a long breath. “Roman and Luke didn’t tell you?”

“No. They’ve been super mum.”

Leo is quiet for a second and I think he’s not going to tell me. “Basically, Mason was being his controlling self. He didn’t tell Roman that Luke was alive when Luke disappeared because he wanted Roman to keep up with the tunnel project. And then, he manipulated Luke into almost ruining Kate’s career.”

I stare at the phone. “Mason loves us. Why would he do that?”

“Because…” Leo lets out a really long breath. “He wants us to be untouchable. He doesn’t want what happened to dad to happen to any of us. But sometimes, he loses the forest through the trees, you know.”

Yeah. I get that. He’s doing the same thing with me and Preston. Trading my happiness for a new network.

“Thanks for telling me, Leo. That really helps. It explains why Luke is so pissed.”

“Yeah. It sure does. But what I want to know is why knowing that helps you?”

“Hmmm,” I lick my lips. Leo has been honest, I should be too. “Promise you won’t tell?”

“Pinky swear,” his deep voice rumbles into the phone.

“I’m going to try and convince Luke not to sell his shares.”

“Fuck.” Leo gives a low whistle. “Go big or go home.”

“I…” I run my fingers over my counter, my nose twitching. “I might need help, Leo.”

“Finesse is not my strength, but I’ll do what I can.”

“Thanks,” I whisper, glad that I called him. I like this Leo. I’m about to tell him, when a knock sounds at my door. My brow furrows. I don’t get much company.

“What was that?” Leo asks, the protective brother coming out in an instant.

“Bella, open up,” Preston calls, banging again. “We need to talk.”

“Shit. It’s Preston. He’s here.”

“Need me to come over? I’m only ten minutes away.”

“I don’t know. Maybe. Can you hang on for a second?” I walk over to the front door, peering out into the hall through the peephole. I see Preston, looking furious. Behind him is Mason. I bring the phone to my ear. “You don’t need to come. Preston brought Mason.”

“The cavalry?”

“Something like that.”

Leo lets out a heavy sigh, like he’s feeling bad for me. “Trying to convince you to give the engagement another go?”

“I imagine so,” I answer in no rush to answer the door.

“Bella, open the door.” Preston bangs again. “We’re already late.”

“Open the door and then give the twat the phone,” Leo rumbles in my ear. “I’ve got a few things to say to him.”

I slide the lock over and then twist the knob.

“What took you so long?” Preston is almost purple, his hands clenched at his side.

I don’t answer as I hand him the phone. “Leo wants to talk to you.”

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