Page 83 of Thorns of Love

There was no reason to hold the gun to Isla’s back anymore so I lowered my arm, letting it fall down my body.

I sighed, slumping my shoulders and meeting his gaze. “What’s on that chip?”

He shook his head. “You really think I’d hand you information that could destroy my family?”

Destroy his family. Destroy Illias family.Adrian was busy.

“What’s on there that could destroy Illias?” Isla asked and my eyes widened. I shook my head.No, no, no.But before I could say a word or plead with Marchetti not to answer, the truth was already out there.

“Among other things, video of Illias killing your mother.”

Deafening silence. Thundering of my heart. Aching in my soul.

Betrayal. Mine. Illias. Ours.

“You knew.” It wasn’t a question but a clear statement. My betrayal cut her deep. My throat tightened. I gripped the handle of the gun, my heart twisting with regret. I should have told her, but it wasn’t my story to tell.

It was at that very moment I knew I’d always choose Illias. Whether right or wrong, I’d always take his side. Although I’d give him a piece of my mind when alone.

“Isla–” My voice cracked.

“How could you not tell me?” she rasped, accusation clear in her voice. “I thought we were–” Friends. Sisters. Family.

“We are,” I rasped, emotions choking me. She stood by me, let me kidnap her. Even helped me get to Marchetti.

And I betrayed her.

Straightening my shoulders, I held her gaze. I had known her for a short time, but I loved her and I cared about her. I couldn’t just let her believe I did it on purpose. To hurt her.

“I can’t give you your story. That’s for your brother to tell. But I’ll give you my story.” A lump in my throat grew until it choked me and distorted my every word. “In recent months I found a video of my own mother when going through my husband’s stuff. I knew she killed herself.” I took a deep breath and then slowly exhaled. “What I didn’t know was that she was going to kill me too. To get back at my father for not loving her. Sasha, my crazy brother, who was only ten, took me from her and saved me.”

Isla’s lips trembled and I’d give anything to take her pain away. By now, tears flowed freely down my face. I couldn’t stop them if I wanted to. “My brothers still don’t know I learned that truth. And I don’t want them to. They’re finally happy. They’ve earned it, and the last thing I want to do is give my mother more power. After all she had done.”

By the expression on Isla’s face, I hadn’t gotten through to her. Her next words confirmed it.

“He should have told me.”

The worst part was that I couldn’t even argue.

“I’m sorry.” It was the only thing I had left. “Let’s go back to the hotel. I’m sure he’s there waiting for us now and make him explain.”

She shook her head. “No, I’m going to crash at my friend’s house.”

“I don’t think so.” Marchetti’s voice had both of us turning our attention to him. He held a gun pointed at Isla. Both of our eyes widened.

“What are you doing?” I screeched. “Remove that gun before I shoot you.”

But then I remembered. My gun wasn’t loaded. Fuck!

He gave me a cold smile. “Before you even move, she’d be dead.”

Jesus Christ! Did I misread him? My eyes darted to Isla, then back to Marchetti, only to end on Isla.

“I-I’m fine,” she assured.

“No, you’re not,” I snapped. “That psycho daddy’s holding you at gunpoint.” My eyes narrowed on him, shooting deadly glares.

“Funny,” Marchetti remarked unamused.