Page 28 of Deadly Sins: Lust
A look of guilt swept across Layla’s face, only it wasn’t guilt over keeping Val’s secret. It was the guilt associated with getting caught. She walked to James, cupping a hand over the side of his face, turning him toward her.
“Youknewwhat happened,” James said, “and you didn’t tell me?”
“I was just ... I mean ... I love them both. Yes, Val confided in me, and I wished she hadn’t. But she did, and I ... I didn’t want to see her go to prison. What was I supposed to do?”
“The right thing, Layla. You weresupposedto dothe right thing.”
“I made a mistake. Don’t be mad, James. Please.”
He stepped back. “Mad? I’m not mad. I’m grateful.”
“You’regrateful?”
“That’s right. Grateful that Sloane proved me wrong. Grateful that I found out I couldn’t trust you before saying our vows tomorrow.”
“What are you saying?”
“The wedding is off.”
“James, please! No! Don’t do this.”
“It’s too late, Layla. Nothing will change it now.”
He placed a call to the police and asked the small crowd that had gathered to vacate the area. He ordered Val into a chair. Without taking his eyes off of her, he said, “Sloane, would you stay a moment?”
“Sure.”
“I owe you an apology too. I didn’t believe you before. I was wrong.”
The awkwardness in his tone told me apologies weren’t something he was accustomed to giving. “I appreciate it. Are you really calling off your wedding?”
He nodded. “I love Layla, but I cannot tolerate dishonesty, not in those closest to me. When she learned what Val had done, she should have discussed it with me, despite the cost to Val. Nick deserved to know the truth about what happened to his wife. Once the police arrive, I’ll make a call and see they release him today. If there’s anything else you need while you’re here, let me know, won’t you?”
“I owe you an apology, too. I misjudged you before. You seem like a decent man.”
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Miss Monroe,” he said. “And now that I’ve done you a favor, perhaps one day you’ll do one for me.”
I had no doubt one day he’d hold me to that promise.
CHAPTER 20
Although I’d pieced together most of Marissa’s last night alive, I still knew nothing about her final moments. Had her murder been premeditated or was it as sudden as it seemed?
The police hadn’t arrived yet.
There was still time to find out.
Val had been restrained to a chair. I sat in front of her in silence, watching the fountain of tears stream down her face.
“Val,” I said. “I just want to know what happened.”
She stared at her trembling hands and whispered, “Youknowwhat happened.”
“I don’t. Not everything.”
She diverted her attention to the bandage wrapped around my arm. “Sorry. I’m ... not myself. Haven’t been since it happened.”
I shrugged. “I’ve had worse.”