Page 61 of Blood that Burns

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

LAW

Maggie staggers back, eyes wide and mouth agape.

“You killed your father?”

My eyes narrow at her reaction. “No, I ordered it. Lucresse carried it out.”

She takes another step away from me. “Law... why would you do that?”

“For you.” I bite the words a little harsher than intended. The horror I see reflected in Maggie’s eyes hurts, and I’m beginning to regret admitting my part in his death to her.

She’s questioning why I’d commit the greatest act of treason? Why I’d condemn myself to death? Have I not made it clear the depths I’d go to to save her? After all this time, does she still not get how important she is to me?

I clench my teeth to stave off the building anger.

“He wasn’t a good man. We’ve been over this.”

Her head shakes back and forth, and she’s mumbling something unintelligibly.

“Well, spit it out. Tell me what a monster I am. You can’t hurt me, Maggie. There’s nothing you could say that would make me regret what I did.”

Her face morphs from shock to regret, and I wonder about that last one. What is she regretting? Caring about me? Befriending me?

“Stop, Law.” Her voice is hard and her eyes sharp. “You’re not a monster.”

“Oh no, that’s where you’re wrong, sunshine. I am. I had myfatherkilled. He may not have been a good man, but neither am I. It’s written all over your face. You know it too.”

Gone is the confused, self-conscious girl that needs me to protect her. In her place is a strong, confident Maggie that’s appeared since being holed up in Marc’s estate. Her back’s rod straight, cheeks stained pink, and eyes flashing with heat.

“Is this your piss-poor attempt to push me away? Because I’ve gotta tell you, Law, it’s getting mighty old.”

“What?” My head shakes in confusion. “I’m telling you that Ikilledmy father. Why aren’t yourunningaway?”

“You did what you had to in order to save innocent people.” She takes a step closer, and I retreat, taking a step back, raising my hands up to stop her advance.

“Just stay away, Maggie. I’m dangerous.”

She stands up even taller somehow, staring straight into my eyes. The new Maggie is here and she’s not backing down.

“Why?”

My eyes narrow. “Why?”

“Why did you want your father dead?

My arms rise up. “I already told you. For you.”

“But why? Say it, Law,” she demands.

“To save you.” My voice is strong and unyielding, but she doesn’t cower at the force of the words. “You’re important. Marina is important.”

She sucks in a breath. “Because of the bond.”

She says it as though our connection is something dirty. Evil. I know what she really means. She wants to know if I care about her or only what she can provide me through the bond.

“Fuck the bond, Maggie. I don’t give a shit about power.”