Royally Broken by Elle Boon Page 0,46

he’d done what he did had nearly broken her, but again, she did what she could, making sure their loan had been paid in full. Afterward, she made him, and his mother promise they’d never borrow again, not from anyone or anything except a bank. Destroying the videos didn’t make her feel better, but a measure of peace had settled over her for those unknown young men who Thomas had used and abused. She hadn’t realized her mistake in destroying the videos instead of keeping copies until after.

A shudder wracked her as the memory of how angry Thomas had been replayed in her mind. “Oh, god, you don’t have a clue the hell—"

His rage had been far greater than any other time she’d ever seen from the usually composed man, except when he was drunk, or had to spend extended time with her. At the time she didn’t know it was because he preferred younger males and females, or heaven forbid when he missed his dalliances with his victims, because that’s what they were, victims. God, she hated those memories. Luck had been on her side when she stumbled upon copies of the tapes, she’d thought were all but destroyed several months later. This time she was smart, making copies and ensuring her protection by placing them in her safety deposit box. The videos were of him with boys and girls she knew damn well were underage. He should’ve gone to jail for what he’d done to them. When he knew she had the tapes, he would’ve killed her had she not shown him picture proof of the tapes in a deposit box, along with the directive to her lawyer, one he didn’t control, that would get the evidence should something happen to her. Her only downfall was not knowing where the victims were, or even what their names were. Some couldn’t have been of age to consent, which was what haunted her at night. They were all in a home she’d never seen and there had been other men there as well. Sick bastards.

So yes, she knew but not like he was suggesting.

“Calm down.”

Her stomach rolled, hot liquid entering the back of her throat. She swallowed it down with determination. “Look, I sent you an email after a lot of work finding you. You didn’t make it easy by the way. The reason I...I felt it was important was because I found out who your parents were or are. I knew that was something you wanted to know. While I appreciate what you’ve done for me and my son tonight, I don’t have to put up with your accusations. I would never, ever condone the sort of thing Thomas did, Silas. Ever. In fact, that’s how I found your information.” She went over to the bag she’d asked him to grab, the information she’d wanted to give him inside. Even if he thought such horrendous things about her, she would give him what he came for and be done with him and all men. The fact her heart ached at the thought was shoved to the side.

“I don’t give two shits about all that, Palmer. And don’t fucking call me Silas.” He took the bag from her, setting it back down.

“Bullshit. You accused me of it. Of me knowing my husband was abusing children and me allowing it. Like I would do such a thing,” she spat.

“I know you wouldn’t have anything to do with that sick fucker. Dammit, I’m messing everything up.” He took her by the shoulders, giving a gentle shake. “You need to understand everything I’ve seen and heard since I’ve been gone.” Keys put his forehead against hers.

“Were you hurt like that as a kid?” God, she’d known the Langley’s were abusive to him, but she’d never thought they’d done that.

“Fuck no. I’d have killed them first,” he swore. “That’s not to say other kids are to blame for what happened to them. Hell, if they’d have tried when I was young, I couldn’t have stopped them. Or even when they’d beat the shit out of me to the point, I could barely lift my head. Guess they were sick, but not that sick.” Keys kept his arms around Palmer, holding her against his chest while he talked.

“Thomas kept videos of him hurting them. He liked them young but not too young. I think he liked the idea of overpowering young men and making them aware of his power and size. He didn’t like whiny