Page 52 of For Wrath

"Ofcourse," Morgan said tersely, her hands gripping the steering wheeltightly. "I've been trying to figure out why you had it ever since."

Derik exhaledslowly, rubbing the back of his neck. "After you were framed for murder, Iwas approached by the people responsible. They knew I was close to you, and theytried to use me to get to you."

"Bythreatening me?" Morgan's voice was ice-cold, her expression unreadable.

"Yes,"Derik admitted, his gaze flickering away from hers. "They threatened tohurt you again, lock you up if I didn't drop the case. I couldn't risk puttingyou in more danger, so I complied."

"Then whydid you keep the file?" Morgan asked, her eyes narrowing.

"Becausethey mentioned something about Darren La Roux being involved, and I wanted tofind out why. I kept digging into his past, trying to piece together what hehad to do with your framing," Derik explained a note of desperation in hisvoice. "But I couldn't tell you, Cross. I couldn't risk them finding out Iwas still looking into it."

Morgan stared athim, her mind racing with anger and confusion. She wanted to yell, to scream athim for keeping this secret, but instead, she forced herself to remain calm."Names, Derik. Give me names."

"Ican't," Derik said quietly, his eyes filled with regret. "I just...can't."

"Convenient,"Morgan muttered under her breath, her fingers drumming against the steeringwheel.

"Cross, I'mtelling you the truth," Derik insisted, his eyes pleading with hers."I've been trying to find out who's behind this, but they've covered theirtracks too well. I couldn't risk telling you until now when we finally have alead."

Morgan clenchedher jaw, battling the storm of emotions raging inside her. She wanted tobelieve him, but trust was not something she could easily give anymore. Notafter everything that had happened.

And all theaffection he'd been showing her--the kissing, the romance... it was all fake,wasn't it? Emotions he'd faked to manipulate her. He was a liar, and shecouldn't trust a word he said. But part of her believed there was some truth tohis story, that he really did talk to the people who had framed her--and thathe knew who they were.

But it didn'thelp her because he wasn't telling her anything.

Morgan stared atDerik, her eyes narrowing into slits as she processed his words. The moonlightcast flickering shadows on the pavement, painting a picture of deception andbetrayal that mirrored her thoughts. Her voice was laced with ice as she spoke.

"You're acoward, Derik. You should've told me the truth from the beginning. But youdidn't, and now... I'm done with you."

"Please,Morgan, reconsider," Derik's voice cracked with desperation. "I didthis to protect you. I couldn't bear the thought of them hurting youagain."

"Protectme?" Morgan scoffed, her anger bubbling up like lava ready to explode."By keeping me in the dark? By letting me think I was crazy for believingsomeone was still after me?"

"Cross,please," Derik pleaded, reaching out to grasp her arm. She jerked away,her gaze never leaving his tormented eyes.

"Get yourhands off me," she hissed, stepping back. "From now on, I work alone.I trust no one." With that, she turned on her heel and stormed away, herfootsteps echoing through the empty parking lot.