Page 30 of Blissful Devotion

He loosens his hold but doesn’t let go. It takes everything in me not to pull away and run.

“I would have done anything for my brothers, and I did. But they never cared for me the way they did each other. Nathan was upset that I had achieved our goal without him. It was the first time I saw my brother for who he really is: a selfish prick.”

He holds my gaze, searching my eyes as if daring me to defend Nathan.

I don’t, not when I can see the monster that lurks just below the surface.

“In the end, they turned their backs on me.”

“Th-that’s terrible,” I stammer out, realizing he’s waiting for me to say something.

His lips pull up into a smile that’s anything but warm before he clears his throat and fixes his mask back in place, moving through rooms.

He’s crazy.

Finally, he releases my hand, and I can’t stop myself; I pull back the second I’m free.

Thankfully, he doesn’t seem to notice, or at least doesn’t pay attention as he throws his arms wide, gesturing around the room.

“So for the last twenty years I've built myself into everything they wish they could be, and more.” He moves to the head of the table, and I know he expects me to join him, but I can’t seem to make myself move as a sinking feeling washes over me.

“What do I have to do with any of that?”

“Well, nothing,” he tells me as if I’m silly for thinking it does, and I mean, what else am I to assume considering I’m here.

“Until my guys brought you in, I didn’t even know you existed.” His eyes rake over me, and I see the hunger in them even from across the room. “As unfortunate as that might have been.”

I hold his gaze and bite my cheek to stop the shiver of disgust.

“I had intended to grab Addison, my niece, as you well know. She would have been the best way to get their attention.”

I knew that; I’d had to fight to keep them from taking her, and I’d do it all over again.

“Why do you need their attention? You seem to be doing just fine without them.”

I look around the room to emphasize my point, and he does the same; the smile on his face is proud as I stroke his ego.

One thing all those years with Carter did me well, I guess.

“You're right, of course, but what can I say? Old habits die hard, and I must admit some part of me was still looking to impress Nathan.”

“Was?”

“Yes, I think I might finally be ready to let go of the past.” My heart skips a beat as I let myself dare to think he might simply let me go.

No, it wouldn’t be that easy, right?

“Now that you're here, there is one thing I can think of that I need.” He presses to his feet and makes his way back to my side, gently taking my hand and leading me to the seat beside him.

Every instinct screams for me to run, but I don’t; instead, I move with him, sitting in the chair as he pushes me in.

“And what’s that?” My voice betrays me, wavering as he moves to stand behind my chair, his hand falling to rest on my shoulders, and I feel him as he gets closer.

“A wife,” he breathes the word into my ear, and this time I can’t hold myself still as I try to move away. His grip on my shoulders holds me in place, though, and I feel his smile curve his lips against my ear, and I’m thankful I didn’t eat much, or his next words would have made me puke.

“And an heir. How convenient…"

Ihave another uncle…