Page 62 of Worth the Scandal
“I did,” Caleb admits. “Still do, some days. Not because she died. Because he didn’t really own it. Because he walked away from it, and everyone let him. Got a free ride and a cover up because of who he’s related to, and now the fuckers taking my starting spot too.”
And I—what had I done?
I fell in love with a man without asking what he’d done to deserve the armour he wore. I didn’t push when I should’ve. I stayed in the light, even when I knew he was living in the dark. I just refused to dig deeper than the surface because of the fuck up Jason was. I was scared to get hurt by knowing too much and now I’ve been absolutely fucked over by knowing too little.
“I don’t know what to do with this,” I admit, voice raw.
Caleb studies me. “That’s the thing about truth, Walker. It doesn’t ask if you’re ready.”
I stand, my legs shaky.
“Thanks,” I say, though it tastes like ash in my mouth.
“You love him, don’t you?” he asks casually, like he’s asking if I like the weather this evening.
I lie “no I don’t, and don’t think I ever can now.”
Because love shouldn’t feel this heavy, should it?
But it does. It always has for me.
And now at least with Asher I know why.
* * *
I find him exactly where I knew he’d be, Asher—at the tunnel, pacing like a caged animal. What I’ve done before the biggest game of his career is probably cruel, ignoring him and nowwhat I’m about to do—confronting him, but what I know now I couldn’t give two fucks.
He’s got his mouthguard in one hand, jaw locked, gaze distant. Focused. Calm.
Until he sees me.
Then it all fractures.
“Scarlett—”
“You didn’t think I’d find out?”
His face stills.
“I don’t know what Caleb told you—”
“Don’t play dumb. It doesn’t suit you.”
“It wasn’t like that—”
“He said you were driving. That your family covered it up. That the car smashed into a tree and you walked away, and Darcy didn’t. That you buried it like it was an inconvenience.”
His lips part. Not in shock. In silence. He says nothing.Nothing?!
That’s worse than any excuse. Fight for me.
“Did you think I wouldn’t care just because I didn’t know her?” My voice is rising. “You think I’dloveyou less if you had blood on your hands?”
His shoulders tense. “I didn’t want you to see me like that, as someone broken and capable ofthat.”
“Then who the hell have I been seeing this whole time, Asher?”
He takes a step toward me, and this time I don’t flinch. “I wanted to tell you. But if I did—if I opened that door—I knew you’d look at me different, and you knowing jeopardises your whole business Scar.”
