Masked Sins (Ravaged Castle, #4)

by Amanda Richardson

“You know how my parents met, right?” I shake my head. “My dad was obsessed with my mom. So much so that he smothered her. Completely and irrevocably. He wasn’t nice about it. To him, she was his. His possession …” He swallows. “I’m a lot like him, Layla.” My chest aches. “Orion, you’re nothing like him.” “But I am. I’m possessive. I’m controlling. I might not drink anymore, but I came really damn close to going down that slippery slope, too⁠—” “No. You’re not.” I squeeze his hands firmly. “You’re kind and generous. You bought my house so I could afford to buy it from you. You helped me with homework until I graduated. You’re selfless and thoughtful, and you always make sure I’m eating enough⁠—” “Don’t you see? I’m kind to you. I’m generous—to you. Everything I do is for you, Layla. Doesn’t it bother you that I’d let the world burn to save you?” His words send shivers down my spine. “You’re nice to everyone. Stop pretending that you aren’t.” I scoot closer so that I’m right in front of him. “You are not your father. But more importantly, I am not your mother. Felicity was a wonderful woman. Beautiful. Kind. But she easily molded to your father’s will and was easily folded into my father’s life. You forget that not everyone is so easily controlled,” I finish, letting my voice go a bit sultry at the end. His eyes spark with something heated. “That’s a shame. Here I was thinking you’d be easily coaxed into doing whatever I want you to do.”