Heartless Lover (Dark Syndicate 5)

I can’t imagine what he must have gone through all those years, and now I understand the depth of his hatred for Robert.

“You didn’t know that was going to happen,” I say.

“It doesn’t matter, Summer. It happened and I can’t change it. There’s not a damn thing I can do to change anything. It’s like I blindfolded myself, walked right into a trap, then dragged everyone in with me. What I did changed people’s lives. Not just mine.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry for me. These days that have passed since I’ve been home have felt like purgatory. The only thing I can do to fix it is get Robert, and even then it won’t be enough. Because I can’t change the fact that everything that happened was my fault. That’s the major difference between you and me. What happened to you wasn’t your fault and no one should have blamed you for anything. Not for your mother or your sister. Your mother was sick, and your sister was just unfortunate enough to walk into a dangerous situation. You’re just as much of a victim as any of them.”

I’ve waited years to hear those words. My heart squeezes and hope fills my soul, beckoning me to try again.

“Thank you for saying that.”

“It’s true.”

“You mustn’t blame yourself either Eric. You made mistakes. You didn’t set out to hurt anybody and they didn’t die. You still get to love them. Having you back must mean everything to them if they thought you were dead and went through hell to get you back. Don’t forget that part.”

His face softens and he smiles at me. Leaning closer he touches my face and moves to my lips to brush his over mine.

It’s a sweet kiss, again too sweet for us, but it feels like something I want.

When he pulls away, he glances at the clock on the wall and that softness in his face fades into darkness.

“It’s time,” he states.

“Time for what?”

“We’re going somewhere important.”

I narrow my eyes with confusion. “Where are we going?”

“You’ll see, baby. Come with me.”