60

AUDREY
“So, you bought all our properties? The vineyard? The land? How about my mother’s house, Gabriel? Is acquiring it a part of your plan, too?”
“At first. I won’t lie to you about that, but that’s when I didn’t know it was your mother’s, and it now belongs to you. I’m just going to help you take it back.”
I bit my bottom lip nervously. “You really wanted him to go bankrupt, didn’t you?”
“Don’t worry. None was taken by force. You should know now that your father pretty much liked gambling. He gambled but lost everything to some people I sent myself. I’m sorry if it had to be that way.”
I felt my body weaken in every revelation he just proclaimed. For some reason, I didn’t know how to take it. I wasn’t there when all of it happened because I ran away, but Samuel and Anton suffered along with the fall of the family businesses. I wouldn’t know what to say to Anton if he found out.
He’d be angry with me, and I would lose him forever. He may not be the best brother or be as sympathetic as Samuel, but I didn’t want him to suffer.
“Please don’t involve Anton in this. He had a difficult childhood, but he’s not like Dad.”
“I knew very well that your brother was unaware of your father’s illegal schemes, but it doesn’t mean he’s innocent. But don’t worry, my fight is against your father alone.”
I sighed in relief. “They both suffered—him and Sam. He can’t know it was all you.”
“He’ll find it out soon anyway.” His statement was more like a caution. “Your father is running for public office in this year’s election, and he’s gaining people’s sympathy because of Samuel’s demise.”
I clasped my mouth. “He’ll turn our town into hell,” I said with a pinch of disbelief. “Gabriel, he shouldn’t win. He has to be stopped.”
“The Scotts are on his side. He’ll likely win.”
“No, no. He can’t. He shouldn’t.” I shook my head. “I once accidentally stumbled into a room I wasn’t allowed to come in, in the mansion. It was before he set me up to marry Benjamin Scott.” I couldn’t contain my emotions. The words came out of my mouth like a flash. “He used prostitution with young women my age back then. There are two girls tied up naked in cage-like animals, but Samuel caught me and immediately took me out.”
Gabriel’s scowl deepened, and he caught my wrist. “And you never told anyone?”
“No,” I said firmly. “But every night, those girls haunted me. I was afraid that I didn’t tell anyone. I promised Sam not to say anything, even to my friends, or we’d both be in trouble.”
“Audrey, didn’t you know how serious this is?” he said tightly. “How could you keep it yourself? My investigator found this for some time now, so I knew they were in the prostitution business, besides drugs and gambling. We had evidence, but we chose not to exploit anything yet without any plan or a witness. Edward Hopkins would probably get away from it if we try to make a move, but it would change everything now that you are a witness, Audrey. You can put a stop to this.”
I shook my head firmly. “I don’t know.” I didn’t notice I was already tearing up. “I don’t think I can do it.”
He pulled me into his arms and squeezed me tight against him. “I know you’re scared.” He fondly stroked my back, rubbing gentle circles. “You have all the right to be, but you’re not alone now. This is why I’m going to give it all back to you. All your father’s properties.”
“What?”
“Don’t you think it’s time?”
“Time for what?”
“That you finally face and stop him. He can’t do anything to you now that you have me.” He cupped my face and brought me back into his arms. “Your fight is my fight now.”
Is this? Is this still my fight or his?
But my father—no, Edward Hopkins’, the charade would continue if I didn’t do anything. Gabriel was right.
After all these years, he could still make me feel so wanted and so loved, even if he wouldn’t say it with words. I knew he loved me. And after all this time, he was still the only one for me. I couldn’t afford to lose him now.
“Will you promise something?” I said.
“Hm?” He kissed my shoulder.
“That you won’t do anything that could harm you again.”
“I’ll be careful.”
“Promise me.”
“Fine. I promise.”
“Liam?” I cleared my throat.
I felt him stiffen against me.
“I’m sorry.” I was carried away by my emotions. He probably didn’t want me calling him by that name now. “Um… Gabriel?” I corrected it.
“What is it?”
“I want you to do it.”
He released me and chuckled. “What?”
“I want you to do what you would’ve done that day we went back. Please.” I reached out for his unbelievably beautiful face. “Take me, Gabriel.”
His eyes dazzled at my words. “Are you sure?” his voice was tortured.
“I love you, Gabriel. I hope you feel the same way I did.”
His lips curved into a pleasant and breathtaking smile. “Of course, I feel the same, but the word itself is not enough for what I feel for you. I feel more than that.” He shoved his fingers in my hair and finally brought his lips with mine. His hands slipped his hands on my thighs, then the next thing I felt, I was lifted from the couch, and my legs around his waist without breaking the delicious kiss, utterly taking control.