The Seduction

Something Sean doesn’t miss, if the scowl on his face as he looks me over is any indication. “Chloe, go get dressed.”

I shake my head. “I can handle things from here. You obviously didn’t listen when I told you to stay out of my business and not to go digging into Zach’s life.”

“It’s a damn good thing I didn’t listen. He’s using you to get back at me.”

I can’t help it. I let out a laugh. “That’s ridiculous. I told you his name, and you didn’t have a clue who he was.”

“That’s because Anders isn’t his full name, is it?” he snaps at Zach. “It’s Anderson. And…” Sean trails off, clearly hesitant to continue.

My mind is reeling with everything that’s been said. Zach’s using me? Anders isn’t his full name? I grasp on to the last part. “I’m sure there’s a simple explanation for him shortening his name.” Isn’t there?

Zach glares at Sean. “Not so simple now, is it, you son of a bitch. Now you go ahead and tell her the rest.”

My mouth grows dry. I glance between the two men I never thought would hurt me. Sean, because I’ve known him my entire life and he’s always given it to me straight and considers me like a sister. And Zach because he’s protected me, looked out for me, and treated me like I mattered.

Folding my arms across my chest, I step up to them. “Someone better start talking. Now.”

&nb

sp; “Ask him about his sister,” Sean says, his eyes dull and unfocused.

I blink, surprised. “I know about Grace.” I’m relieved now because this isn’t something Zach has kept hidden. “She’s in South Oaks. So what?” I look between them.

“So he put her there,” Zach said with disgust, jerking a finger toward Sean. “He’s the bastard I told you about. The one who preyed on Grace’s fears and used her so badly she broke.” He runs a hand through his hair, and I see the agitation in his movements, the pain in his gaze.

But he still won’t look at me. And I’m too busy trying to process what he just told me. Sean’s the man who likes to find a girl’s weak spot, play into it, and fuck her until she’s screaming in panic and fear? That’s what gets him off?

“But … but … that’s sick.” I glance at the man I’ve known my whole life.

He can’t meet my gaze anymore either.

I want to gag but manage to suppress the reflex. “What does this have to do with me?” I rub my arms, goose bumps and chills covering my skin.

Sean groans. “He’s using you to get revenge on me. He can’t get to Avery, so he figured he’d go after the next best thing. The world knows I don’t give a shit about anyone, but somehow he found out about you.”

“No.” I whisper the word. “Zach?”

He nods slowly, unwillingly. “I followed Ferro. Watched. Waited. And finally I saw him walk you out to your car. He hugged you, and I knew I’d finally found a weak spot.”

Sean curses and goes for Zach, but my scream stops him. Zach has his hand curled into a fist, ready to hit back if needed.

“I want to hear everything. Don’t take that away from me.” I blink back tears, telling myself that I will be strong. I will not break. Not in front of him. I can’t let the depth of his betrayal hit me. Not yet.

“So you watched me at The Tavern? All along, I was just your pawn?”

Zach’s eyes fill with remorse. “Only in the beginning.”

“Bull.” Sean’s voice slices through the air. “You’re not the only one with the ability to find necessary information. I met your security friend, and we had a talk.”

I winced at the word. So did Zach. “Is he still alive?” he asks Sean.

“He liked his pretty face, so he talked. Now it’s your turn.”

Zach narrows his gaze and walks up to Sean, getting into his face. “You say you care about her? Let it go at this. She’ll never talk to me again. It’s good enough.”

Something passes between the two men, an understanding. About me. I won’t allow it. “No. Whatever it is, you tell me.” I step closer and shove at Zach’s chest. “You owe me that much.”

With a nod, he comes closer. He takes my face in his hands.