Page 103 of Break Me

I could tell my eyes were about to bug out of my head. “You are joking.”

“Does it seem as if I’m joking?”

“Wow.” My God. He was serious. “If you think that I would be that stupid then I need to leave. Right now.” I turned, furious with the man.

“You’re not going anywhere. It’s a question that needs an answer.”

Since my integrity had been questioned recently by a bunch of men I’d thought were my friends, I was hot as shit. My actions reflected it when I stormed toward him, ready to slap him.

But he caught my hand, lifting his eyebrows. “I don’t think we need violence. Do you?”

Why did he have the ability to make me feel bad? He’d just accused me. Damn him. I curled my fingers and he let go of my hand. “No. You’re right. But how dare you think something like that? I was the one who didn’t want to go on a date with you inthe first place and you insisted. Remember?” I threw the attitude right back at him.

I could swear the man was dissecting me with his eyes. Yet as indifferent as they’d seemed just a few seconds ago, they were suddenly filled with emotion. “I do not trust Liam O’Leary. He’s been lying to you.”

“Lying? Well, neither do I. He’s been a thorn in my side, truly believing he could run my life because I was once married to his brother.” I wasn’t about to get into the issue with the insurance.

Exhaling, he took a gulp of his drink. “I will keep you and Emily safe using everything in my power, but you will be honest with me at all times.”

What was the point in arguing that I could take care of myself? I’d proven otherwise. “I’m not lying to you. If you continue to judge my character, we won’t have anything to talk about. You found out who took those pictures. Didn’t you?”

He chuckled, but not because whatever he was thinking was funny. He was brimming with rage. “A recent hire at the restaurant and the woman who lured Emily away from the school.”

Horrified, I pressed my fingers against my lips. “My God. What is going on?”

“As I mentioned before, you are being used against me. That places a target on both your backs. That’s why you will do as I command.”

I wanted to argue with him, but he was the reason my baby was safely cuddled up underneath covers. “You think my brother-in-law is involved. Don’t you?” The thought repulsed me.

“I think the Irish are in bed with the Greeks.”

“You’re serious. You think my brother-in-law is involved criminally with this Papadakis family.”

“Yes, I do. And no, I don’t have proof as a game is being played, Halle. The fire. The pictures on the internet. The attempted kidnapping, which I’m not firmly convinced would be used to harm Emily. And the money owed to you.”

“Let me guess, the settlement already occurred.”

He nodded, taking his time doing so. I could kill Liam. Why hadn’t I acted on my instincts? Because I’d refused to believe family could stoop so low.

My lower lip was quivering as I thought about my baby girl all over again. “That’s a very dangerous game that I want no part of.”

“Unfortunately, fate put us together.”

“Someday you’ll need to tell me why you’re at war with the Greeks and the Irish. Or pick a nationality.”

He laughed. “It’s simple. For money and power. That’s always the case.”

“How can you stand it?”

“Because it’s all I’ve ever known, but I assure you that my life isn’t all about violence and revenge. But in this case…” He hesitated. “If I find the O’Learys are in any way involved with what has occurred, I’ll do what’s necessary to protect my family. Including you.”

The dichotomy of words coming from his mouth confused the hell out of me. He was ready to burn down the world to keep meand my daughter safe, yet he wasn’t certain he could trust me. What a lonely world he’d lived in. Then again, I couldn’t trust Liam. Was I any different? “Understood.”

“I’m glad we were able to come to an understanding. Now, I told you to stay at the school for your safety. You disobeyed me.”

“Because Emily is my daughter.”

“And what would have happened if you’d gotten hurt? Or worse. What then? Emily needs her mother safe and sound.” The look on his face was as stern as I’d seen it to date.