Kira, Stop Lying To Yourself

Gideon stood stock-still and bore the blows. ‘I’m not lying. I didn’t take your father away.’ Kira’s tears fell onto the back of his hands, scalding him. ‘But I know who took him.’ Kira froze. She looked up at him. ‘Who? Tell me!’ A part of her knew Gideon couldn’t be trusted. He was no longer the gentle, caring big brother he was six years ago. But right now, she was willing to clutch at any straws. ‘Who took my dad? Tell me!’ Gideon spat out a name. ‘Austyn McCarthy.’ Kira was stunned. Then she shook her head vehemently. ‘No, that’s impossible! You’re still lying to me! How can—’ ‘Listen to me, Kira!’ Gideon caught both of her shoulders. ‘This has been his plan all along!’ ‘You’re lying!’ Gideon kept his vice-like grip on her shoulders. ‘I’m not! He married you because of Leland. Your father’s heart is a match for Charlotte’s. Austyn’s only keeping him alive for the sake of his mother!’ ‘No!’ Kira tried to cover her ears with her hands but Gideon wouldn’t let her. ‘Just listen to me!