Page 73 of Bed of Thorns

She gripped my wrists, trying to tear herself away from me. This time, I let her, turning my head to watch as she climbed off the bed, grabbing her robe. I could see the hard shudder coursing through her. She’d gotten herself mixed up with something she shouldn’t be forced to handle.

Another wave of guilt clotted up my system, but there was nothing I could do about easing her fears that wouldn’t sound contrived, practiced. “I won’t let anything happen.”

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep. That’s not fair.” Her fingers continued to shake as she tried to tie the sash on her robe. It was one of the first purchases I’d made, the thin silk and blush pink color highlighting the softness of her features. She was magnificent in every way while I was nothing but a mistake.

“This one is easy.” I pushed myself away from the bed, fighting the urge to gather her into my arms. She was trying to keep her emotions tightly woven, never arguing with me about my decision or even asking me not to accept the promotion.

As soon as I’d told her the news, the smile on her face had faded, a darkness settling in. I’d hurt her far too many times, even though I’d never wanted to do so. She’d searched my eyes then walked out of the room. I’d heard her ragged breathing later when she’d thought I’d gone outside. Her fear was palpable. It was also justified.

My thoughts drifted to the dream, the visions already fading away into a strange haze. She’d been there. She’d seen everything including when I’d plunged the knife into the man several times. I rubbed my eyes, the adrenaline rush keeping me on edge. Why the hell couldn’t I remember the rest of it? And why would my father condemn me when I’d been trying to save his life?

Maybe what I’d seen was my mind trying to justify what I’d done. Damn it.

“What are you keeping from me, Edmond? I know how excited you are about this opportunity but there’s something wrong. I feel it in my heart. I know you don’t believe me, but it’s just… too good to be true.”

Just like my mother had said.

As I padded toward her, I felt the explosion of heat as always. Our connection was deep enough all we had to do was to be in the same room for the ignition switch to go off, a four-alarm fire threatening to spread. But tonight we both needed restraint, not passion. We couldn’t fuck our way out of the intense concerns or the lingering questions. Being untruthful with her had nearly broken me the moment I’d opened my mouth.

The Prism Group.

I’d looked it up on my phone before I came home, but as expected I’d found nothing. However, what I’d found on Markus had confirmed what I’d originally thought about him.

The man was dangerous, his dozens of corporations supposedly tied to one or another mob. As far as why he’d been sent to prison, there was no mention of it anywhere. The group had enough connections they’d managed to keep his arrest and subsequent incarceration quiet.

I did find out he’d been married and had a kid, but other than a piece from ten years before, there was nothing recent. He was just another ghost in the machine.

“Baby, I’m not hiding anything from you. You’ll get to meet my boss and other colleagues.”

I watched as she rubbed her hand across her mouth, stifling silent screams. I could feel her tension, as well as gathering a scent of her fear.

Mercedes finally turned around, lifting her head, her delicate throat bobbing as she swallowed several times. “Fine.”

Her tone wasn’t exactly contemptuous, but I sensed it would drive a rift between us. “If you don’t want me to accept the promotion, I won’t, but I won’t be allowed to work there any longer.”

“What?”

I shrugged, trying to think of a logical reason. “The clients are very private and very rich. It’s simply the way Mr. Walters handles business.”

“Mr. Walters. That’s the first time you’ve even mentioned his name. That should tell you something, Edmond. Whatever secrets he and his wealthy clients are keeping should be a sign to run far away. As my mother used to tell me. Secrets and lies will always be akin to disaster.”

She walked away, heading for the bathroom and I knew she was right.

But I was too far down the rabbit hole to stop now.

Besides, I didn’t want to.

CHAPTER16

Mercedes

“Edmond. This is crazy.”

I’d been trembling on and off since he’d returned early the day before, excitement building every hour within him. He’d brought me sterling silver roses for the second time in a week, talking about the endless possibilities.

A new house.

A new car.

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