Page 10 of Freed By Fire
“That’s why I give them a chance to come clean first,” I reply coldly. “I can be merciful, but when it comes to betrayal, you’ve got one chance to come clean. After that, what happens is on you.”
I give Oliver a meaningful look, but he doesn’t meet my gaze.
He follows me to the library and lingers in the doorway. When I venture in, he mumbles an excuse under his breath, and I watch him hurry down the hallway, round the corner, and disappear. I drift closer to the fire and sink into the armchair, watching the red and orange flames as they dance, casting long shadows across the wall. Without lifting my gaze from the flames, I reach for the decanter on the cart and pour myself a generous amount of whiskey.
I swirl the amber liquid and continue staring at the flames.
The drink is bitter as it trickles down my throat. On my second sip, I lift my gaze to the portrait over the fireplace and take in my mom’s face, her bright eyes weighing on me.
“Don’t look at me like that,” I mutter darkly. “I’m doing the best I can.”
But I can’t save Oliver from himself.
And it’s only a matter of time before I can no longer brush his betrayal under the rug.
I don’t like this any more than he does.
“You should be careful. Wouldn’t want anything happening to the Payne heir.”
I rise to my feet and lift the glass to my lips. “Is that you talking, or our father?”
“We both know the answer to that.” Mathew materializes in front of me and stops a few feet away, clad all in black. “But we all have our roles to play.”
“He’s never going to give you what you want,” I shoot back. “You’re wasting your time playing this game.”
“What’s the matter, brother? Have recent events made you question your mortality? Even the great Mason Payne isn’t untouchable.”
I lower my glass and turn so I’m looking at Mathew. “If he wanted to put you in charge, he would’ve, and you know it.”
Mathew’s expression darkens, but he doesn’t look at me.
I study my twin in the dim lighting, and my stomach gives an odd little lurch as the realization that I don’t recognize the man he’s turned into dawns on me. “He keeps you around because you do what he wants without question, but even the master’s favorite guard dog isstilla guard dog.”
Mathew’s eyes are blazing. “I’d watch myself, brother, or you might find yourself on the receiving end of another little accident. Only this time you mightnotbe so lucky.”
I raise an eyebrow. “You’re not going to lay a finger on me.”
Mathew takes a step in my direction and bares his teeth at me. “Won’t I? Don’t underestimate me, Mason.”
“Don’t forget yourself, Mathew,” I warn. “We both know that even with an injury, I can take you on.”
There are too many witnesses for Mathew to pin it on anyone else.
It’s one thing for our father to stoke the flames of dissent, but Mathew knows that making a play for the power seat without Jack’s consent is as good as signing his death warrant. My twin is ruthless, ambitious, and cunning in his pursuit of power. There are very few lines he won’t cross to get what he wants, but he isn’t stupid.
Mathew takes out his knife and takes a step in my direction. “Care to test that theory?”
I set down my drink and look at him. “Go ahead, then.”
Neither of us moves, and the air in the room grows thick. After what feels like an eternity, Carlisle slips into the library and heads for me. He whispers something into my ear, and I don’t take my eyes off Mathew. Once Carlisle steps away, I down my drink and clear my throat.
“We’ve been summoned.”
Mathew slips his knife back into place and nods.
We slip out of the library and into the semi-lit hallway.
No amount of fury or resentment will change the truth.
