Page 47 of Vendetta

“What?”

“There’s no such thing as the City Ward Memorial Fund.” He says so calmly I think I must have misheard him.

“Excuse me?” What the fuck is he saying. That fund paid for my medical bills. That fund literally saved my life.

“It was a front. It was my money. All of it.”

I’m shaking my head. I think I’m trembling too. I can see the water rippling around me.

“I did it for you. Everything since your attack, every part of your life has been planned by me.” He states.

“Why?”

“Why do you think?”

It can’t be. This man is mad. He has to be mad.

“I made sure no one else would employ you. I wanted to keep you close. Under my watch if you will. I had my men follow you each night you walked home to make sure no one could hurt you. Even your apartment was of my choosing.”

“Why?”

“Because you are mine Eleri. From that night I first laid eyes on you, you have always been mine.”

“But I’m ruined. Look at my face. I’m a monster.”

He grins. “No you are not. You’re the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen.” He pulls me to him and a part of me thinks I should resist but I don’t. I just let him hold me to his chest, let him stroke my hair, listen to the beating of his heart for so long I think I might have turned into a statue.

“I’ve never had anyone.” I say quietly. “I was used to being on my own.”

“What about your family?”

I pull a face. “My family? My father died when I was sixteen. He was a drunk and he fell into the river and drowned. And my mother married another man not long after. He was a drunk too. He would hit her. Hit me as well when he thought he could get away with it. I ran away. I left and came here.”

“And got a job as a singer?”

I nod. “I was doing great. I’d been here for six years. I was happy. My life was good. And then that night happened and everything changed.”

“It shouldn’t have ended like that. It wasn’t supposed to. You should have come home with me.” He says so confidently I let out a laugh.

He kisses my shoulder. “But you’re here now. And I’ll never let you go.”

“What are you saying?” I ask looking at him.

“You are my queen Eleri. You always have been. And no matter what happens, I will always be proud to have you at my side.”

“Then let me help you.”

“With what?”

“Whatever the hell is going on. I know something’s happening. Those men that raided your house tells me something is going down. Preston even told me so.”

He narrows his eyes. “It would be dangerous.”

“I’m not afraid of getting hurt.”

“I know that but my instincts are to protect you.”

“As are mine for you.” I snap back.

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