Page 14 of The Broken Keys

“And now? Do you know who you are?”

“I learn a little more each day, but I want to move past everything we did to each other. If I could understand why I meant so little to you that you were able to hurt me like you did, then maybe we could take the first steps in healing.”

I stare into her eyes and focus on what I was responsible for. “It wasn’t like that. Leon… He had things he was holding over my head. He threatened everyone I love, and I couldn’t let him ruin those who mean the world to me. I won’t let that asshole touch anyone.”

She tilts her head and her eyes narrow. “Who?”

“Everyone in my life.”

“Even me?”

“You were the first person he went after. I couldn’t let him cause you any more agony than he already had.” My mouth goes dry, but I push on. “I choose to let you believe what Zara wanted because it kept you safe, and for that, I don’t regret any of it.”

There’s a moment where the air around us grows weighted from my truth, then her shoulders relax.

She fiddles with her napkin. “How was he going after me?”

My heart rate ticks up. I don’t know how to go down this path without telling her what I went through, and I’m not ready to do that.

I glance around to make sure no one is listening. A couple of people are checking us out, so I lean in closer to her.

“Livianna, he has information on all of us. You, Guns, Hawke, Cooper, me… Fucking hell, he has stuff on my ma, videos and shit that could…” I shift and take a moment to breathe. “He was set on making everyone I care about pay for what he thought I owed him.”

“Which was what?”

I give her part of the truth. “My pops’ estate and all of my earnings. Leon said if I didn’t give in to his demands, he’d take us all out.”

Her face drains of color, and she sits in stunned silence. Something like awareness settles in her expression.

“He was behind the media leaks when I got pregnant… All those stories and pictures, he let the tabloids come for me and paint me out as a villain. That’s why you felt the need to protect me. You saw what that did to me, and you wanted me away from his prying hands.”

“There was more to it, but yeah, he was the master behind all your misery. He spun all those articles to paint you out as someone you’re not, and he wasn’t gonna stop there.”

“Why didn’t you tell me then, and why are you able to be honest with me now?”

I huff a fake laugh. “It’s called therapy.”

“Seriously, Callum. Why?”

“Because I was barely eighteen, and I didn’t know how to deal with someone like him. He owned my life, and I felt trapped. But I figured out how to get him to admit to all his blackmail. Now, I’m the one who holds the power. As long as he stays away from me and everyone I love, he lives. But if he ever steps near you, I’ll bury him.”

“Callum, don’t say that.”

“Oh, I will. I mean it with every speck of my soul. If he even thinks of getting near you, I’ll?—”

“Stop.” She gestures to my balled-up fists. “You’re getting worked up, and he’s not worth it. Let’s just finish dinner and forget about him.”

I move my hands to my lap. “You’re right. He doesn’t get to steal another minute of our lives.”

She takes a sip of her champagne, and I notice she’s shaking. Maybe I said too much, or maybe I didn’t help her make sense of it all.

“Lily?”

She places her glass down. “What?”

“Do you think you’ll ever forgive me for the constant fuck-ups I’ve put you through?”

She shows me a warm smile. “Yeah, give me some time to process it all, and I’ll get there. But I have things to apologize for as well.”