Page 124 of Freeing Lark

“I’m afraid,” he said quietly, “it’s not that simple.”

Wren stared at him. “What do you mean?”

Calloway moved farther into the room, removing his jacket with irritating calm. “Your sister has made things considerably more complicated than it needs to be for us.”

Lark’s heart pounded. She looked from Calloway to Bradley. “You’re involved this deeply.”

Bradley didn’t answer. He didn’t have to.

Wren shook her head. “No.” She looked at Bradley again. “You wouldn’t do this.”

His expression softened almost imperceptibly. “Wren⁠—”

“You’re going to help us. We’re supposed to get married.” Lark almost felt sorry for her. Almost.

Calloway glanced at Bradley. “You want to tell her?”

Bradley’s jaw tightened. “Not yet.”

Lark’s stomach dropped. Not yet. Not no. Not you’re wrong. Not this is a mistake. Not I’m getting you out.

Just two words that confirmed everything. Wren stared at him, tears spilling down her cheeks. “Bradley?”

He finally looked at her. “I’m sorry.”

Lark felt something inside her go very still. Whatever she’d once thought about Bradley Whitmore was dead. There was no misunderstanding. No elaborate explanation waiting around the corner. He knew. He was part of it.

Calloway smiled when he saw the confusion on Lark's face.

“Oh, don’t look so surprised, Lark. Surely you didn’t think Bradley wandered into this mess by accident.”

Bradley stiffened. “Calloway.”

“What?” Calloway’s smile turned mocking. “These lovely ladies deserved to know.”

Wren looked at Bradley. “What is he talking about?”

Bradley said nothing. Calloway gave a soft laugh. “Your fiancé didn’t have much of a choice in the beginning. His family had debts. Business problems. A few questionable decisions that could have become very inconvenient if the right people started asking questions.”

“That’s not⁠—”

“Isn’t it?” Bradley fell silent. Calloway stepped closer to Lark. “By the time he realized exactly who he’d gotten into bed with, it was far too late. Money had changed hands. Contracts had been signed. Favors had been called in.”

Lark’s stomach twisted. “So he was working for you?”

“Initially? He was trying to protect his family.” Calloway glanced at Bradley. “Then he became useful.”

Bradley’s face hardened. “You don’t have to say any more.”

“Oh, I absolutely do.” Calloway’s smile disappeared. “You helped move the shipments. You approved the paperwork. You introduced me to people inside Whitmore Global Holdings who could make certain problems disappear.”

Lark stared at her ex. “Bradley…”

He wouldn’t meet her eyes. Calloway continued. “Now, he’s too deeply involved to walk away.” He crouched in front of Lark. “That’s the thing about this business. You don’t get to simply decide you’re finished.”

Lark felt sick. “You’re blackmailing him.”

“Blackmail is such an ugly word.” Calloway smiled. “I prefer leverage.” He stood and looked toward Bradley. “He knows exactly what happens if he stops cooperating.”