Chapter 61

“He rarely talked about himself,” Ryan replied defensively.

“I bet he knows yourlife history.”

Ryan grimaced. “He was good at asking questions, and I answered them.”

“Too bad we can’t say the same for you.”

“Damn it, give me a break. I was infatuated with him, so I trusted him.”

“And look what it got you. Hell, sorry.” Shaun shook his head. “There was no call for me to say that.”

“It’s the truth, though,” Ryan replied tightly. He was angry that he had trusted Merrick so completely. “He was very manipulative. I can see it, now. Then? I thought he really did care for me, and about me.”

“Ryan,” Shaun said softly. “He undoubtedly did, in his own, sick way. In fact, I say for certain he did, to the point that he was obsessed with keeping you all to himself.”

Ryan nodded. “He did a good job of it. I told you about my going out for coffee with a friend. It was the first time Merrick hit me. I should have left then, but he was so remorseful.”