Page 103 of Hook

Her words slice through me and I release her throat, turning my back on her.

“I love you, Gwendolyne. I’ve never felt this way about another person in my thirty years of life.” I can’t look at her because inside I’m breaking. Cillian Hook is supposed to be untouchable, unbreakable, and yet this sweet angel has broken me. “If you can’t believe that, then that’s your problem.” I walk away without another word, knowing I can’t continue this conversation.

Deep down, I know what I’ve got to do, but it’s going to hurt like a bitch. I have to let her go.

34

CILLIAN

“You’ve got news for me?” I ask as I walk into the detective’s home.

He turns around and smiles at me. “Yes. I’ve found the rat.”

“Spit it out, then,” I say.

“Frank Henderson. He’s the one who has been working against you.”

My brow furrows. Out of all of my guys, Frank is probably the last person I would’ve expected. “Are you sure?”

“Positive.” He gestures for me to join him. “Here. I’ve got all the evidence complied. Frank is the one selling you out to your enemy.”

Motherfucker.

The detective does indeed have the evidence. Not only paperwork, but photos of him meeting with both Piero and Jovani. “God damn it.”

He tilts his head. “About payment.”

I hold my hand up. “You’ll get your fucking payment. Don’t worry about that.”

“When can I expect it to clear?”

I draw in a deep breath and pull my cell phone out, logging onto my banking app. I wire a million dollars to the bastard. “As soon as the bank has processed it.” I show him the transfer has been completed on my phone. “I have a fucking rat to kill.”

He smirks widely. “Enjoy. Pleasure doing business with you.” He holds out his hand for me to shake.

I narrow my eyes, but take it and shake. “And you.”

While one thing is being resolved, another is turning to shit. My lawyer is working on my divorce papers for Gwendolyne. It’s been three days since I opened up to her and I’ve not returned to the house, crashing at Neverland ever since. Later tonight, I intend to give the papers to her and offer her the freedom she’s been desperate for. A part of me hopes she’ll refuse, but I’m not stupid. I know she’ll take them and run.

I’ve been perpetually angry—angrier than I normally am—ever since she refused to believe I love her. My actions toward her haven’t exactly been that loving, I maintain the mantra that love is complicated. It’s not something you can control. There’s no way in hell I expected to fall for my wife, even though what I felt toward her when I first saw her was electric.

“If you need anymore help, don’t hesitate to give me a call.”

I arch a brow, as this is the first time I’ve ever had to deal with a rat in my outfit. “I hope I won’t need your help again.”

He nods. “Indeed, hopefully not.”

“I’ve got to get going.” I turn away and walk toward the door.

“Cillian,” he calls my name, forcing me to come to a halt.

“Yeah?”

“Make him pay.”

I narrow my eyes. “You don’t have to tell me that.” I walk out of his home, thankful I don’t have to go back there. The place and the guy give me the creeps.

Pulling my cell phone out of my jacket pocket, I call Smyth.

---