Torn - Cynthia Eden Page 0,78
thought maybe I could help those who had.”
So much about her was clear now. So damn much. What he’d thought was her careful reserve was actually a shield she had in place—one designed to protect her from pain. Guilt still ate at her, he could see that now. No wonder she threw herself into the work so much. Victoria was trying to atone. Trying to balance scales that he knew—in her mind—would never equal up.
No strings. And he understood that part, too. She was too afraid of proving her father right. Of being just like him—of needing someone so much, so badly, that she couldn’t let go.
So instead of reaching out, of connecting with others, Victoria kept holding herself back.
“That shit isn’t going to work any longer,” Wade said.
Alarm flashed on her face. “What do you mean?”
“You aren’t holding back with me anymore.”
“I—I’m not holding back. I just told you everything!”
No secrets. No lies.
“Now what are you going to do? Because I can’t—I’m sorry,” she said, and the tears came then, trickling unchecked down her face. The wall she’d built crumpled as he stared at her. “I’m so sorry . . . I did it, I killed him. I didn’t . . . I didn’t want to die!” And she was about to fall right before his eyes.
Wade surged forward and caught her in his arms. He held her tightly and could feel the tremors that shook her. She’d carried this weight around, for this damn long? And she thought he was going to judge her? That he was going to turn her in?
If I could, I’d kill the bastard myself.
She obviously didn’t understand who he was—or rather, she didn’t realize just how much she mattered to him. Her life—her. He’d do anything to keep her safe.
So while she cried, Wade just held her tight. After a while he lifted her into his arms and carried her back to his bedroom. She didn’t say a word when he put her in the bed or when he crawled in beside her.
But she did reach out to him again. She wrapped her arms around him and fit against him.
So very perfectly.
“SO . . . I’M CLEAR?” Matthew Walker demanded as he turned to face his lawyer, Bob Moore. He’d just exited the lawyer’s car. Moore had brought him back home after Matthew finally left the hell of that police station.
Bob gave him a broad smile. “Dr. Walker . . . there are no charges against you.”
“But—But I heard what was going down at the station. The killer attacked someone else, right? While I was in custody. So now the cops know, absolutely know, that I’m innocent.”
Bob nodded. “You’re clear. They’d be fools to bring you in, and the PD doesn’t want the kind of media firestorm I’d bring their way if they so much as hinted they were still trying to link you to this mess.”
Good. Matthew exhaled and inclined his head toward the lawyer. “Thanks, Bob. I owe you.”
“Oh, don’t worry, you’ll be getting my bill.” Moore gave him a little wave. “Now try to get some sleep. After today, you deserve some time to crash.” Then he drove away, zipping down the road in his red Ferrari. If any car yelled mid-life crisis . . .
Matthew shook his head and headed toward his gate. He punched in the security code and the wrought-iron gate swung open. His steps were slow as he headed across the sidewalk that led up to his house, and for a moment he tipped back his head, glancing up at the historic home.
Tall, with red brick and big white columns. Surrounded by blooming flowers. A gorgeous house. And his Jag sat waiting in the drive.
He’d always wanted to live in a big house. He’d grown up with nothing and had vowed to have everything.
Now I do. But today, in that cop station, he’d nearly lost it all. If he hadn’t been able to prove his innocence, his life would have come crashing down.
Matthew unlocked the door and flipped on the lights. He made his way into his study and poured some of his twenty-year-old bourbon in a glass. He downed the dark amber liquid fast and—
“Are you going to say thanks?” a mocking voice asked.
He’d known the guy was there, of course. That was why he’d made sure not to invite his lawyer in for a thank-you drink. Figured the guy would come by. Arrogant asshole. Just have to let me know how much I owe