Page 115 of Ruthless Dream

Wallen just told Henson I was being taken as collateral. I assume he means I’ll be kidnapped to Dublin.

Oh my fucking God.

Dad.

My knees hurt as I stand up. I snag a Burberry coat off the rack, wrapping it around my shoulders. Someone left behind some Chanel sunglasses. How ironic that none of the staff stole them for themselves, but their boss is actively discussing kidnapping and murder.

I’m not sure if it’s just luck or some godly survival instincts, but I force the sunglasses over my face and march out of the bistro.

I don’t look around. I don’t worry about spotting Wallen or Henson. If I look suspicious, I will be suspicious.

“You all right?” Marco asks, frowning when I get into the SUV.

I nod, unable to meet his eye. The sunglasses are very useful, keeping my watery eyes hidden.

It’s just the shock, I tell myself. None of the tears fall. I don’t let them.

Wallen told Henson that Ciaran was planning on killing Dad. Tonight.

How is that even possible?

I squeeze my eyes shut, my heart beating painfully.

Ciaran made me breakfast this morning. He kissed my forehead.

My hands hug my kneecaps, wishing I could hyperventilate. But Marco is in the car. How can I tell him my boyfriend’s about to kill my father?

My fake boyfriend.

It’s Marco’s job to protect my family. I need to tell him.

It’s happening all over again.

This is what happened with Jack. He got close enough to hurt my family. I was supposed to learn from my mistakes. How could I have hurt my family again?

Heat pools in my belly. Liquid anger mixed with some sort of. . . What exactly?

Last night, Ciaran’s tongue traced my cunt. All the things he’s done to me the past few months. The way he’s controlled my body.

Oh, God. I’m the girl easily persuaded by an orgasm. I’ve nearly lost everything because of a man’s cock.

“Adeline?” Marco asks.

I stare at him for a second before understanding. The car’s come to a stop. We’re at my new condo.

“Thanks.” I grab my purse and head inside toward the elevator.

As the doors shut, I realize the truth: I’ve been played.

This whole time.

All the sweet things Ciaran’s done for me. The little notes, the coffees, the way he plays with my hair.

It’s all a goddamn lie.

It’s not like I didn’t know who he was. He trapped me from the very beginning.

I let him get close to my family.