Page 105 of Controlled
Maybe even worse since Sebastian hid behind fake morals.
I placed my hand on the handle of the passenger door on Creed’s car, not surprised when he tugged me back. As he pulled my hand to his lips, I looked him in the eyes.
He’d changed for the good, allowing light into his life while I’d embraced the darker side of myself that had peeked its head from the caverns upon learning I had a toxic family.
“Don’t allow this to jade you, Bella. You’re an innocent flower and always will be.”
As always, his touch made me tingle.
“I’m no longer innocent, Creed. Just a girl who loves a boy.”
His grin highlighted dimples I didn’t know he had. “Come on, sunshine.”
After helping me from the car, we waited as the minister offered the last words, Jonas’ mother tossing dirt and roses onto her son’s casket. She was crying, comforted by her daughter, but it would seem Sebastian was ready to continue on his crusade.
As he made his way toward a quiet area in the cemetery, I glanced at Creed and he nodded in support. We both headed toward the man, although when I was a few feet behind Sebastian’s back, Creed pushed me forward alone.
I waited as the man remarked about an upcoming meeting, even laughing at something the other party had said to him. I couldn’t care less. When he obviously sensed someone was behind him, he turned sharply.
“Liam. I need to go. I’ll call you back.” Sebastian was less than thrilled to see me.
I stood waiting in silence as he ended the call, shoving the phone into his breast pocket.
“You’re Emily, right? My son’s dance partner.”
He truly had no clue about my name, which was a direct reflection on the man. “Bella. Bella Rothschild Marcello, my father Armand Marcello and yes, I was Jonas’ dance partner until he was murdered because of you.” I had no inflection in my voice, and it took him a few seconds to comprehend what I’d accused him of.
“How dare you come to my son’s funeral and accuse of me of something so… heinous.” His eyes flitted to Creed and the tiniest hint of horror sparked in them. Creed had educated me in being very observant of my enemies.
Now I had more than just a few given it was about to become public knowledge who my father was. I’d even sat down to an interview with the same reporter I’d encountered outside of the restaurant in New York. Maybe it would be his fifteen minutes of fame.
I waited as Sebastian huffed and puffed before smiling. “I once believed in good versus evil. It was one of the few decent things my mother taught me. However, she also said there were vile creatures in this world and I’d place you in that category. Not the man standing behind me. At least he’s honest while you make an art out of lying. I’d wish ill will on you, Mr. Carrington, but you’ll need to learn to live with the horrific guilt of never giving your son what he longed to have from you.”
“And what’s that?” he snarled.
“Your admiration. Jonas was one of the finest men I’ve ever known. What a shame you couldn’t see it. Have a nice day.”
As I turned around, Creed smiled, his silent praise for my ability to control my anger exactly what I needed.
For the moment.
A rough round of passion would come later.
As Creed took me by the arm, he leaned over, not only pressing a kiss against my cheek but also whispering in my ear, “One more place to stop before we go home.”
“Home. I like the sound of that.”
“Me too. You know what they say, home is where the heart is.”
“I do think I’ll turn you into a romantic in no time.”
He laughed as he led me to the car, his grin far too mischievous as he closed the door behind me.
I fell into deep thought until I realized maybe fifteen minutes later where we were going. “You’re taking me to see my mother.”
“I thought it was a good time. I’m certain she’ll want to see you.”
While I laughed, it was from sadness and nothing else. “I don’t know how to tell her about Armand.”