She couldn’t sit down. She and Dr. Tobin had been together for years. There wasn’t a thing she didn’t know about Irelyn and what she had done. Fortunately, the therapist was used to her rambling and walking at the same time, which was good, because Irelyn couldn’t seem to settle in one place.

“He actually acts as if he really trusts me.”

“And you don’t think he’s telling the truth?”

“Grey doesn’t lie. If he said it, then it’s the truth.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

She whirled around. “I’m afraid I’ll let him down.” She didn’t add the word that they were both thinking. Again.

“Wouldn’t it be wise to take what he says at face value? You haven’t been the Irelyn he couldn’t trust for a very long time.”

“I know. I know. I just—”

“What’s really bothering you, Irelyn?”

“I killed my brother last night.”

The stark words hung out there like some kind of ugly, dark entity. Not many people could say that without getting at least a raised brow. Sheila Tobin was the exception. She merely said, “How did that happen?”

Irelyn told her everything, from how she found out that she had a brother, to how she’d gone about locating him. She held nothing back, including the men she killed to attract Dark’s attention.

“Let’s get back to your brother in a moment. Tell me about these men you terminated.”

“They were assassins…killers. That was the only way I could get Dark’s attention. He wouldn’t have been impressed if I terminated an ordinary person. Killing a killer takes more skill.”

“Would you have killed an ordinary person if it would have impressed him?”

“Of course not.”

The therapist smiled. “Good. You need to recognize that. Now continue.”

Irelyn frowned, distracted for a moment, and then said, “I killed them, and then Dark contacted me.”

“Why are you avoiding talking about the men you killed?”

“What do you want me to say? They were bad men.”

“Who were they, and what did they do?”

Talking about them in the abstract was so much easier than giving actual details. Of course, Dr. Tobin knew this and would continue to press until Irelyn acknowledged whatever the therapist believed she was avoiding. After years of therapy, Irelyn knew the drill.

She took a breath and began. She didn’t bother to individualize them, as they had all been monsters. Instead, she told Dr. Tobin about their victims, families who were killed, the children massacred.

After all Irelyn had told her through the years, the therapist was almost immune to being shocked, but there was a definite glimmer of horror in her expression when Irelyn finished.

“So these men destroyed countless lives, killed innocent people, including children? And would likely have continued to do so if you hadn’t killed them?”

“Yes.”

“Does it help to know that you saved lives by doing so?”

It did and it didn’t. Explaining that was impossible.

“I’m glad they can’t hurt anyone any longer, but the sad part about this business is that someone will always take their place.”

“What about the man you killed last night?”

“You mean my brother?”

“Did you have a choice?”

“No. He was there to kill Grey. If I hadn’t pulled the trigger, Grey would be—” She couldn’t even finish the sentence.

“You saved another life. This time, someone very important to you.”

“Yes.”

“Do you remember your brother at all?”

“Yes and no. As you know, what happened before Hill isn’t clear or distinct. I remember vague impressions of people and events. I remember cold, hunger, fear. I don’t remember any specific person, but I think I do remember him from Hill House. He was in training, too. I never talked to him, though.”

“You trained together?”

“No. Hill was very specific about that. For the most part, I was kept separate from the others. I don’t know if it was because I was special to him, or because I meant nothing.”

“Does it matter?”

“No, I guess it doesn’t. But now I’m wondering if it was just a matter of practicality. Keeping us away from each other prevented any kind of bond.”

“Or perhaps broke any bond that you already had.”

“Yes.”

“How do you feel about killing him?”

“He was going to kill Grey. I made the only choice I could.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“It’s the only one I’ve got right now.”

Dr. Tobin occasionally pushed her for answers. Irelyn was thankful that this time she didn’t. She had cried a river about it already. Tears hadn’t helped, neither would words. It was done, couldn’t be undone. She chose to focus on the one good thing about it all—Grey was still alive.

“You hadn’t told me before today the things Reed revealed to you that last night. Why?”

Because there had been so much pain back then, so much to process. Killing the man she had both despised and loved. The breach with Grey she hadn’t thought they’d be able to overcome. Learning that she had a brother, a blood relative, and finding out he’d been in the same house with her and she hadn’t known him.

“It was just too much to deal with…to handle. I told you what I could.”

“You’re better now.” Keen eyes assessed her. “Back in a good place again.”

Irelyn almost laughed at the doctor’s uncanny observation, because it was true. How screwed up did you have to be to have killed your only sibling the night before, to know that someone has a contract to kill the most important person in your life, and likely wants to kill you, too, and still realize that you are indeed in a good place? This was the most connected and grounded she’d felt in years. That was messed up.

“Grey and I were intimate last night.”

“That hasn’t happened in a while.”

“No…not since…not since that night.”

“The night you poisoned Hill Reed.”

“Yes.”

“I won’t ask for details, but how was your connection?”

Amazing. Beautiful. Almost spiritual. All those things and so much more. Grey had touched her as if she were a precious gem. Tender, gentle, likely because of her injuries, but also resolute in his goal to give her the ultimate pleasure. It had been a long time since she’d felt so connected with him. She had wanted to give back, pleasure him, but he wouldn’t let her. He had given himself without taking anything in return.

“Never mind,” Dr. Tobin said. “I can tell by your expression that it was a good experience.”

Relieved she didn’t have to explain such an intimacy, she quickly answered, “Yes, it was lovely.”

“So what happens now? Will you stay with him?”

“We’re going away together until we can figure out who’s behind this. Keeping him out of the limelight will ensure his safety.”

“And what about your safety?”

“Well, sure, that, too.”

“You don’t really mean that, though, do you? Why is that, Irelyn? When are you going to realize that you deserve safety and protection, too?”

“Grey’s the one being targeted, not me.”

Instead of refuting Irelyn’s words, Dr. Tobin tilted her head in that silent, confronting way of hers.

“Okay, so I’m probably on some hit lists, too. Either way, we’ll both be out of the limelight. Grey’s taking care of some business, but we’re leaving tomorrow.”

“Being alone with each other will give you a chance to reconnect. Yet, you don’t look very happy about it. Are you afraid you’ll disclose more than you’re ready to reveal?”

That and a thousand other reasons it was dangerous for her to be alone with him for too long. But she could not pass up this opportunity. It had been too long that it had been just the two of them together.

“I can’t run away forever.”

“Especially when you’re running from someone you want to stay with forever.”

Denying the truth would be futile. Dr. Tobin had a talent for seeing beyond the surface. Irelyn was excellent at hiding her deepest emotions, but from their first meeting, the therapist had seen beneath the façade that Irelyn showed the rest of the world.

She’d been so lost in thought, she hadn’t realized the woman had sat down on the coffee table in front of her. In a surprising, unusual move, she took Irelyn’s hand. “Perhaps it’s time to reveal all, Irelyn. Lay it all on the table. Tell him what’s in your heart. Perhaps it’s time to put the past truly in the past.”

* * *

Grey put his signature on the last document he intended to sign for a while. In the early years, he’d been a hands-on manager, but he’d learned that wasn’t necessary when you hired the right people for the job. He had no concerns on that front.

He glanced at the clock on his desk. Terrance had called a couple of hours ago and informed him that Irelyn had gone off on her own after her doctor’s appointment. Grey wasn’t surprised. After a session with her therapist, she always needed solitude. The verbal spilling of guts wasn’t easy for anyone, most especially a woman who kept most of her thoughts hidden throughout her life.

Besides that, Irelyn did not conform to other people’s demands unless it suited her. She had left the apartment looking so different from the real Irelyn, he wasn’t concerned that she would be recognized. And while he understood her need to be alone, he couldn’t deny a tinge of worry. It was getting late. And while he told himself she would not renege on their agreement, the later it grew, the more concerned he became. What if she disappeared again?

Being uncertain in anything in his life wasn’t a common occurrence for him, but Irelyn was a different entity altogether. Even though he knew her as well as anyone could, she was a law unto herself. He admired her tremendously, but she also drove him insane much of the time.

A soft chime sounded. Grey breathed out a quiet, relieved sigh and felt his muscles loosen. The private elevator was being used, which meant she was safe and home once again. Even though she had promised to go away with him, Irelyn wasn’t always predictable. Especially not lately.

The office door opened, and a woman he wouldn’t have recognized if he’d seen her anywhere but here appeared. She had iron-gray hair and wore thick, round glasses. Thick makeup, applied and shaded on the angles and planes of her face, added twenty years or more. A frumpy, threadbare coat and sensible shoes finished the disguise.

“How was your session with Dr. Tobin?”

“Same song, different day.”

She came toward him, and Grey met her in the middle of the room. “Terrance called. Said you took off on your own.”

“I needed some time. Was he put out?”

“Just concerned.”

She held up the bag in her hand. “Maybe this will help. I stopped by Charlie’s and picked up his favorite cookies.”

In one move, he took the bag from her, threw it on his desk, and pulled her into his arms. “Have I told you lately how amazing I think you are?”

She smiled and wound her arms around his neck. “You’re just saying that because you want a cookie.”

“You read my mind so well.” He leaned his forehead against hers. “I like this new look.”

She brought her body closer, flush with his. “Is that right?”

“Yeah. Why don’t you bring it with you?”

“Older women appeal to you now?”

“This one does.”

“Oh yeah?” she asked softly. “Why’s that?”

“Because I want you any way I can get you.”

With the sweet groan that always drove him crazy, she pressed her mouth against his, and every problem, every issue disappeared. Irelyn was always able to do that to him. The moment her lips met his, he could forget everything. Devouring her luscious mouth, Grey tightened his hold, letting her feel exactly how much he wanted her.

Moments later, breathless and smiling, she pushed him slightly away. “I need to change clothes.”

“While you do that, I’ll order dinner. Anything in particular sound good?”

A wicked gleam in her eye, she whispered, “Something decadent and delicious.”

“Decadent and delicious it is.”

* * *

They ate dinner in the kitchen’s breakfast nook. Because of its cozy size, it was Irelyn’s favorite place to dine. While Grey chose the wine, she had selected their dinner music—soft, lyrical, distinctively Irish. The meal was from their favorite Italian restaurant. Mushroom ravioli for her, lasagna for Grey.

“It seems so quiet and peaceful tonight. No urgent phone calls, no major dramas,” she said.

“Hopefully a sign of things to come.”

“Where are we going? You didn’t say.”

“I thought the house in Colorado. The repairs are complete.”

“Repairs? Did we have snow or wind damage?”

“Neither. You missed that particular drama.”

“What happened?”

“Gabriella’s grandfather, Luis Mendoza, happened.”

“I thought he passed away.”

“He did, but not before making her life a living hell, as well as destroying our home.”

When she raised a questioning brow, Grey explained about Gabriella’s abduction and how Jonah had hidden her away at their house.

“How did they find out she was there?”

“Never did learn that, but Ivy Roane was working with him.”

“Poison Ivy. The woman definitely got around.”

“That she did.”

“So the house was destroyed?”

“Not destroyed, but definitely trashed. Little structural damage. They were looking for Gabriella, and when they couldn’t find her, they moved on.”

Taking one last bite of her truly excellent ravioli, Irelyn settled back in her chair. “Do you ever wonder what makes people the way they are? Some families are so strong and supportive of one another, and then there are those like Gabriella’s who do everything they can to tear each other apart.”

“It’s been happening since time began. Remember Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel? Definitely dysfunctional.”

“All because of evil. Do you think some people are more apt to be evil than others? That there’s something inherently wrong with them at birth?”

“I don’t know. I do think we all come to a point in our lives where we have to acknowledge what is right and what is wrong. And make a decision on which side of the fence we will stand.”

“I’ve stood on that fence for a while now, haven’t I?”

“No, Irelyn, you haven’t been on that fence in a very long time. You just haven’t allowed yourself to notice.” He took her hand lying on the table and squeezed it.

“I told Kennedy about my past…about my training. About your parents.”

“How did she take it?”

“Surprisingly well, considering.”

“She’s a compassionate person.”

“Yes, she is.”

“Any reason you shared that with her?”

“I don’t know. I think… No, I know I’m tired of the isolation.”

He lifted the hand he was still holding to his lips. “I’d say that’s progress. Wouldn’t you?”

Progress? Yes. Could she go further, though? Both Kennedy and Dr. Tobin had encouraged her to do so. Could she finally come clean with Grey once and for all?

Grey picked up his empty plate and Irelyn’s almost empty one. He was pleased she’d eaten as much as she had. Last night when he was holding her, he’d noted her weight-loss. She had felt distinctly fragile in his arms. Days of eating regular meals and sleeping late would hopefully take care of that worry.

A soft hand closed around his wrist and he looked down at the lovely woman before him. He could stare into those luminous gray eyes forever and never tire of them. He also saw what she had tried to hide with cosmetics, fatigue and a lingering sadness.

“Why don’t you go take a relaxing bubble-bath? I’ll take care of the kitchen cleanup.”

“Thank you. That does sound lovely. I’ll wait up for you.”

“No need. Go on to sleep. I still have a few things I need to attend to.”

“But I—”

He pressed his fingers against her mouth. “We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.”

“Very well.” She glanced around the kitchen as if somewhat lost and then gave him a careful smile. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

He nodded and watched her leave the room. As they’d eaten dinner, Grey had kept a watchful eye on her mannerisms. While Irelyn could hide a multitude of thoughts with a pleasant or bland expression, telltale signs of stress or exhaustion were often revealed in the way she moved or her hand gestures. Her session with Dr. Tobin had likely given her some relief and closure from last night’s events but he knew she was still suffering. He intended to do everything within his power to ensure she had a chance to recover. And that was why he hadn’t told her what was going on in his mind.

Today, when she’d been out, something had clicked in his head. He wanted some time to evaluate his thoughts. Bringing them up to her now would ensure only one thing. She would dive in with him. While he valued her opinion and would gladly accept her help, he would wait. There was no harm in doing a bit of investigating on his own. When he had more to go on, he would bring her in on his suspicions. Telling her now when he had nothing substantial would accomplish nothing.

Grey finished the quick cleanup, prepared their coffee for the next day, and then went into his private office. Shutting the door, he headed to his computer and the notes he’d made earlier. He still had no concrete reasons for his suspicions. For right now, they were mere wisps of ideas and thoughts.

Clicking into his private email account, he read answers to several emails he’d sent earlier. The more he read, the stronger his suspicions grew.

As the ideas coalesced and settled in his mind, Grey sat back in his chair and began to dig even deeper into the twisted and evil world of Sebastian Dark.