Chapter 101

“I was never going to trap you there forever. You were never going to marry him. I just needed you engaged to him for a certain time frame.”

Liana stared at him. “I wanted you protected,” he said calmly. “Steve was safe, stable and predictable.”

“And Cain isn’t?” she asked quietly.

Parley almost smiled, “No. Cain is many things but safe… safe isn’t one of them.”

Liana’s chest tightened. “But…” her father continued slowly, “that man walked into a room full of people who could’ve killed him… just to make sure nobody decided on your life for you again.”

Tears filled her eyes instantly. Parley looked away briefly before continuing. “He could’ve used you. Traded you. Manipulated you. God knows it would’ve benefited his club.”

Liana stayed silent.

“But he didn’t,” Parley finally looked back at her. “He was willing to lose for you.”

That broke something inside her completely. Fresh tears rolled down her face. Parley sighed heavily and stood u