Page 119 of Unholy Union
“You really don’t get it, do you?” I whisper hoarsely, lifting my gaze back to Cato. “You must’ve thought I was stupid. That I’d just keep falling for your games.
“I actually started to believe it, you know. I thought… maybe this wasn’t all a performance. Maybe it wasn’t perfect. But it feltreal.At least parts of it did. And I never even needed perfect. I just wanted honest.I just wanted you.” I suck in a shaky breath, my ribs aching. “But you were scheming the whole time, weren’t you? Using me. Gaining my trust. Hoping I’d turn on my father without even realizing it.
“I told you things. I told you about my family—about losing my mom, and my brother, and how my dad was acting depressed. I told you things no one else knew, and you werecollectingthat info the entire time, weren’t you? Just waiting to use it against me.”
His features twitch, like he can no longer hold onto the mask he wears at any given time. It’s the first sign of real guilt I’ve seen out of him, like I’ve physically struck him.
“Sabrina, it seems like that. But that’s not true. That’s not what I was doing. You need to calm down and let me explain.”
“Explain what?!” I snap. “That you were playing the long game? That I was just a pawn to get what your family wanted?”
“It started off that way, but that’s not the case anymore.”
“Right, you just helped spearhead a vote to oust my father this morning.”
“That’s… more complicated than you think. And part of it was to protect you.”
“Protect me?” I laugh. “From who?”
He hesitates, his jaw clenching and unclenching before he grits out, “From everything!”
At the confused knit of my brows, he inhales a deep breath. His shoulders rise with tension and then he rakes fingers through his dark hair, messing his sleek style.
“I just told you it’s complicated. And if you want me to be honest—yes, we were out for revenge! We were plotting against you and your family. But that was before things changed between us, Sabrina. Then it became about trying to still accomplish what we needed to with the takeover while making sure you were safe. Then maybe my father wouldn’t?—”
I freeze as he cuts himself off as if he can’t bring himself to finish.
“You think it was your father?” I whisper. “You think he’s the one who’s been trying to hurt me?”
“I don’t know,” he answers. “But I’ve suspected.He’s been… angry and frustrated with how things have been playing out. My father’s not above making moves like that.”
A sick feeling curls in my belly. I take a step back, no longer able to stomach anymore.
“And you what, Cato?” I asked. “You were going to sacrifice me?”
“No!” he growls immediately, fury flashing across his face. “I’ve done nothing but protect you. That’s what I’m trying to get you to understand! The vote today wasn’t to hurt you, it was?—”
“Just supposed to hurt my father, my family,” I interrupt. “Whichstillhurts me. Do you hear yourself? How do you not understand that? Stay away from me.”
He calls after me again, but I’ve turned back toward the revolving doors leading into the headquarters and re-entered the building.
The air inside is cooler, but it offers no real relief. My pulse is racing too fast, too loud in my ears. It’s going to be a while before I’m able to calm down.
I wander down the nearest first floor corridor, desperate to put as much space between us as possible.
My hand fumbles for my phone as I go. My fingers are slick with sweat and my thumb trembles as I try to unlock it. I need to get a hold of Papi and find out what our next move is with this war against the Valentes.
I crash into something broad and solid.
I’m sent stumbling a couple steps back, my phone slipping from my grasp and clattering to the ground. My gaze lifts to look up at the immovable man standing in front of me and the blood in my veins chills to ice.
Mario Pompa smiles crookedly like we’re old friends and he’s pleased to see me. As if the last time I saw him he wasn’t side swiping the car I was in, riddling it with bullet holes on the road, literally trying tokillme.
“What a coincidence,” he says in a hoarse voice. “I was just looking for you, princess. Turns out, my boss would like a word.”
Chapter 25
Cato
