A Vow of Deception, A Vow of Revenge novel Chapter 58

As she finished speaking, she rolled up her sleeve, revealing a patchwork of bruises all up and down her arm.

"Oh my God, what happened to you?" Simone gasped. "Did those women actually hit you?"

"There's this woman in there, sort of like the queen bee. If you don't do what she says, you get smacked around…" Celia's eyes brimmed with tears as she looked at Tyson. "Ty, how could you just let me suffer like this?"

"How could I ever want that for you?" Tyson lowered his eyes, watching Celia's trembling shoulders, his hands curling tightly in his sleeves. "I…"

He wanted to explain, but the words caught in his throat.

Should he tell her he tried and failed?

Wouldn't that just mean admitting he'd lost to Elvis?

"Ty, do you know how much I missed you these past days…"

Simone cut her off, her voice a little sharp. "Enough, Celia. This isn't the time or place. Let's go home now. I've had the chef make all your favorites…"

Tyson looked at Simone, then said quietly, "Let's get in the car."

With that, he turned and strode toward the black sedan waiting nearby.

Celia bit her lip and followed after Simone. After a few steps, she leaned in close and whispered, "Mom, where's Winona? What's she been up to all this time?"

Simone let out a heavy sigh. "She's been swamped with work, hasn't been home at all. I think she's still angry with you."

"She's angry with me? As if I don't have every right to hate her!" Celia's face twisted in resentment. "She stole Ty from me and got me thrown in jail. I wish she'd just drop dead. I really do!"

"Keep your voice down, we're still outside."

Tyson realized he'd been too harsh. Celia had just gotten out of jail—she was at her most vulnerable. What was he doing, snapping at her like that?

He softened his expression. "Enough. Stop saying things like that. Let's just get in the car and go home."

Celia pouted, wounded and sullen.

Once they were in the car, she crossed her arms and refused to speak to Tyson.

Simone tried to coax her, "Come on now, don't take it out on your brother. He really had no choice this time. When have you ever gotten in trouble and he didn't protect you? Remember that time in high school when you bullied that girl, and the video got out? Everyone was calling you a bully, and who was it that made it all go away? Your brother, that's who."

"That was years ago. Why bring it up now?"

"I just want you to remember—Tyson will always be there for you. No matter what, he's your brother." Simone's words carried a quiet warning beneath their warmth.