“My darling girl, I know you’re hurt. He must’ve seduced you with his lying ways and tried painting himself as a saint to make you comfortable around him. All men are the same. They put up an act for pussy, and once they get it, it is over!”
“So, cheer up. I can still make money off you somehow…” Darby eyed her slender frame greedily.
Everly forced her eyes shut. Was Cristian really like other men? She truly doubted it because he insisted on preserving her virginity unless she offered it herself. Even when she surrendered herself to him, he hadn’t taken advantage of her. He totally loved and respected her and wanted to sacrifice hisfamily for her—a total stranger. Her fingers trembled as she remembered his passionate kisses, his scintillating laughter, his beautiful hair, and alluring body. Yes, there were many sides to this man she shared a bed with that she was yet to understand. It was time to weigh her options and find a way to sort things out once and for all.
Cristian had risked his life to save her. Although he lied about purchasing her at the auction by deceiving Darby, he did rescue her. His brothers had attested to the love he had for her from the first day he set his eyes on her photo. What more did she need to convince herself that his love for her was real? If he truly killed a man, it was to rescue her. She felt bad that he would soil his hands with blood. But at this point, she knew that no one was innocent in this game; not even her. Life wasn’t black and white, there were various shades of grey and she was about to take part in the game. Everly fought the tears that brightened her eyes. Cristian had trusted her, yet she would betray him. It was a difficult and painful thing to do, but this was the best way to end this fight.
“I want to see him one last time.” She swirled around and faced Darby.
He was shocked at the coldness of her tone.
“Why?” His brows furrowed.
Gently, she swept her chestnut hair into a bun and rubbed her hands together, readying herself for what lay ahead. She was no longer a pristine virgin. Cristian had introduced her to the world of sinful pleasures, and she hoped to participate in more.
“I want to look him in the eye and ask if he truly killed a man, as you say. I’ll follow you back to the warehouse. I just need to see his face one more time.”
Darby was impressed that her mind was made up. She didn’t plan to deceive him, at least he could see through her expression. His most price woman had been seduced and deceived by a Silva. For years, the Silva’s had crossed other families and gotten away with it. Not this time. He was going to teach them a lesson. His joy increased when he realized that Everly was no longer on their side.
“Very well then…” He nodded.
“Promise you won’t make trouble? I’m returning with you, so there’s no need to fight,” she said.
Darby masked the puckish desire that welled up in his mind.
“Of course!” He flashed his stained teeth.
He directed the boat towards the area where the others were waiting. At this point, Cristian had been joined by Matias and Bastian because they’d waited too long and hadn’t seen a sign of their brother or the woman that he’d rescued.
They wondered what had been discussed in the boat. Cristian’s eyes clashed with Everly’s. His heart raced when he noticed the sadness in her sapphire orbs. Something was wrong. He could sense it. Something shitty was about to go down.
"Here’sthemanthatstole my prized woman.” Darby chuckled as he stepped from the boat and pulled Everly against him.
Cristian gritted his teeth as he stared at the greedy fool. He couldn’t say anything or do much because he didn’t want Everly to see the side of him he had managed to keep hidden from her. He’d taken that risk to lure Darby in.
“You have no right kidnapping innocent women,” Cristian replied, his anger boiling on the surface.
Cristian watched curiously as Bastian whispered to Matias and walked away. Luis’ eyes met with Darby’s and they seemed to communicate a message in silence. The movement did not go unnoticed by Cristian, yet he remained silent.
“Well, I’d rather be the devil than pretend to be an angel. I’m the darkness you fear.” Darby threw his hands into the air.
Cristian’s head sank, and he stared at his shoes. Everly could sense the truth in Darby’s words as she looked at Cristian. He had murdered a man to pave the way to save her. She wasn’t sure what to think, but she needed to hear him say it.
“Here… your whore has something to ask you!” Darby swiftly pushed Everly forward.
“Don’t ever fucking call her that!” Cristian exploded, but Matias held him back.
“Did you kill someone to save me?” Everly blinked back her tears. The disappointment was laced in her words.
Even the waves quieted, as though nature was interested in his answer. Cristian cursed and ran his fingers through his hair. It was obvious that Darby had told her to drive a wedge between him and Everly.
“Mi Cielo…” He started towards her, but she flinched and stepped back.
“Tell me, please,” she whimpered, fracturing his heart into a thousand tiny pieces.
He sighed. “What did you say to her?” He wanted to wrap his hands around Darby’s neck and squeeze the life out of him.
“Answer the bitch, you fool!” Luis cocked a gun at him.
