Page 181 of Wicked Villain

I knock back the drink, the liquid burning my throat. I usually savor that burn. Today, it feels rawer. Like acid on an open wound.

“What did you mean when you said that it was my father’s fault your mother and sister are dead?”

Here we go.

I set the glass down and pull in a slow breath. It’s time she knows.

It’s time.

“What did my father do, Lev? Please tell me.” Her child-soft voice grips me with its gentle plea. “I know your mother and sister were killed and that something happened to you.”

I don’t have to guess who told her that. Anushka. My troublesome cousin is indeed troublesome, but I can’t even be mad at her. I should have told Allegra the truth well before now.

“Your father double-crossed mine and opened the door for the enemy to attack. He led them into my home, and they killed my mother and my sister.”

Her breath catches and she clutches her chest. “My father… he did that?”

“Yes.”

She begins trembling. It’s so bad, she moves over to the sofa and sits. “It’s his fault?”

Slowly, I nod. “As you know, our fathers were in business together. Yours used his knowledge of our security systems to let a very dangerous man into our home. We were supposed to be away on vacation, but we came back early. My mother, my sister, and me. The men attacked the house the same night we returned. To tie up loose ends, the man killed my mother and my sister right in front of me. I was supposed to die, too. I got shot trying to save my sister. She was only ten years old. I was twelve. I couldn’t… I couldn’t save her.”

Tears run down her cheeks, and, fuck, the backs of my own eyes sting.

It’s been a while since I had to tell that story.

“Lev, my God.” Allegra dabs the tears streaming out the corners of her eyes, but more come to replace them. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

I shake my head. “Some things are too painful. And I guess I didn’t want anything more between us to push us apart.”

“The past. It’s the reason for all of this,” she whimpers. “Our marriage.”

I nod. “I only recently found out your father was involved. All the years we searched for answers, we never found anything until months ago.”

Her gaze drops to the floor. She’s a clever girl. I can practically see her mind working as she tries to figure everything out. She also knows me now, probably more than I know myself.

“You wouldn’t just let him live for no reason. The money you took is worthless to you.” She meets my gaze, a knowing look in her eyes. “And you just said to him his days were numbered.”

She’s catching on.

“Yes. They are numbered.”

“This is all a trap. And he’s the bait.”

I can’t deny it. I won’t. “He can lead me to the man responsible. His name is Micah Moretti. I’ve been keeping your father alive for that.”

“And me? I’m my father’s heir, so you...”

“I wanted to destroy him first. Cut off every avenue for him to gain power. He’s going to try and take you. And he’s going to try and kill me. He’s recently gained a new inheritance for you. That’s his next move.”

Her hands shake. “Lev.”

“It’s not gonna happen.” I walk over to her and crouch down. “No one’s going to take you away from me.”

“But how could you want me after what my father did? You’ve taken such good care of me, saved my mother’s life, and made sure we’re safe. How could you do all of that for us after what he did?”

I smile without humor. “I fell stupidly in love with a girl, and I decided to take care of her mother, too.”