A Painter's Revenge: Love Redeemed

and apologiz

oom. I had been discussing my plans to study abroad w

radling a sobbing Eileen in his arms. Behind h

knew this look on his face. This was the l

rail. I was still recovering. We

I asked, trying to

rist. There was a thi

he snarled. "Her condition has wors

with such heartbreak

to me. "Apologize. And swear you w

pursued me for years, who had come to my room in the middle of the night.

ose in my throat. I was the fool.

rage so deep it felt lik

" I said, my voice a

ed a mental countdown. Just a few more days. Leo G

egan, a hint of con

"Damian, I can't... I can't take it anymore

ng in panic. He gave a sharp nod t

ved tow

n front of me. "Don't you

without a second thought. She stumbled

amed, trying

my shoulder like a vise. He forced me to my knees. The i

tarted to heal, split op

dyguard holding me. He kicked out with his leg, sending her sprawling to the

broke. All the fight, all the pride, all th

voice breaking. "I'll apolog

ith a pained expression, suddenly clutche

on completely diverted. "Hold on,

a camera at me. "Make her say it. 'I, Alana Myers, am a sham

rrying Eileen as if she wer

ng the camera moved

s I looked at my mother, who

ne a dagger in my heart. They made me repeat it, over a

eft. One of them kicked me in the head f

g thud. Blood trickled from a new cut

wide with horror. She let out a