Nicole’s face turned crimson, but she would own up to her mistakes. She responded, sadness in her voice. “I was very desperate that night and in a lot of pain. But, yes. That is where I got them.”
Davis couldn’t help but touch her in an effort to ease her discomfort. He placed his hand on her thigh. “It happened. We can’t ignore it, but I have faith in you and your recovery.”
Nicole placed her hand on top of his. “Thank you.”
After being frozen in place, Davis slowly removed his hand. “Harlan also found out that Roman was a member of The Liberation of Shebet and was sent here to compromise me—through you.”
Nicole was horrified. “I-I don’t understand. I don’t know anything about your business, and even if I did, I would never have told him anything about it.”
“Roman was going to videotape you and him together. It was to be used to control me. If by some small miracle their money laundering scheme didn’t land me in prison, it was supposed to be a way to shut me up, to keep me from working with the Feds.” His voice was low. “Who doesn’t know that there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you?”
His words warmed her heart. “But the money? It doesn’t make any sense. Why would he give the Angel Foundation ten million dollars?”
“They were trying to tie all of our investments to the Liberation—more insurance for them.”
They were silent. Then Nicole spoke. “Davis, I’ve said this a lot, but I can’t tell you how sorry I am that I put you in that situation. I wish I could take it all back.” So far, they had talked about everything, except for what really weighed on her mind and heart. Her voice trembled. “You may never forgive me for that night, but I promise I’ll do everything I can to make it up to you.”
“You didn’t sleep with him.”
Nicole looked into his eyes. “What?”
“The video showed that you were passed out from the time he brought you into his apartment until we arrived. Whatever Roman’s plans were, he hadn’t executed them yet.”
Relief swept through her. “Thank, God.” Nicole pressed her lips together and briefly closed her eyes. “I know that wondering, and then watching that video couldn’t have been easy for you. I have barely been able to stand it. Again, I am so, so sorry for putting you in this position. I promise you it will never happen again.”
His own guilt was eating away at him. He had to tell her the truth. “For a while, I was so angry I couldn’t see straight. But I would have done it. I would have done anything to keep you and the kids safe. Fortunately, you give Braylee Hinsdale a few crumbs to work with, and she can make magic. Her team along with whatever shady characters Harlan works with were able to turn that situation around. Harlan found bank records and a few other things in Roman’s apartment. The money he donated to the Angel Foundation and the millions that were funneled into those offshore accounts were from the same source. Harlan and Braylee were able to trace the origin all the way back to the source of the money.” Davis gazed up at the sky. “The saying ‘follow the money’ has never been truer. Anyway, Braylee’s law firm did some kind of hocus pocus, and the charges were quietly dropped, and my assets have been unfrozen.”
“That’s . . . that’s incredible! We have our lives back.”
“Sort of. Chatham Industries stock ain’t worth much these days. We might have to downsize and put a few properties up for sale. I’m not as wealthy as I used to be. Not even close.”
“The island?” Nicole looked around. “Now that you’ve made our private paradise livable. I’m sure it would sell for a small fortune.”
Davis pulled his knees up to his chest and rested his elbows on them. He spoke quietly. “I could never sell this place.”
“If I had to, I could live with the memories. I never cared about the money, Davis.” Nicole reached for his hand and laced her fingers with his. “I only ever cared about the man. So, if I need to get a job to help put food on the table, I have no problem with that. I just need you to truly forgive me and give us a chance.”
“It’s not you that I can’t forgive.”
“Then if it’s not me, why are you holding back?”
“It’s me. If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have gotten hurt or be in this godforsaken mess!” Davis got up and walked over to the water’s edge. He looked out over the jet-black sea. If it weren’t for the twinkling stars and the moon, it would have been pitch black.
Nicole got up and stalked over to where he was. She stood behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Why do you do that? Why do you always take responsibility for everyone else’s actions? You can’t carry the entire world on your shoulders! I won’t let you carry my burden. I’m here because I couldn’t cope with my life, and I turned to drugs. That wasn’t on you. That was on me! Stop blaming yourself because you couldn’t save your parents.” His body stiffened, but Nicole wouldn’t let him go. She held on. “So, what. You didn’t have a lot of things that money could buy. But I
