Chapter 72. Cost for Freedom

Mark’s POV

Bella pleaded, gripping my hands through the cold bars. “Then say it, I promised…I told you I’d do whatever it takes to help you.”

I stared at her for a long moment. My chest felt tight, but my mind was already made up. “There’s only one way out of this,” I said quietly.

She leaned closer. “What is it?”

I lowered my voice. “Your brother has to be gone.”

Bella froze. The color drained from her face. Slowly, she pulled back, trying to free her hands, but I held on. “What are you saying?” she whispered, shaking her head. “Are you serious right now? That’s my brother.”

“You said you’d do anything,” I said, my grip tightening. “This is the price.”

“No,” she breathed. “That’s not what I meant. This is different.” Her eyes filled with panic. “He’s my family, Mark. He raised me. He protected me when no one else did. I can’t even think about hurting him.”

My jaw clenched. “Family?” I snapped. “That man destroyed my life withou