“I made sure you caught me kissing Sam. I wasn’t dating him. I didn’t even start dating him for years afterward. But I had to make sure you were hurt and angry so you wouldn’t ask any questions.” She swiped at her eyes. “But it turned out I was the one who got hurt.”

Leo frowned. “What are you talking about?”

She shrugged. “I had a huge crush on you. It was hard enough to lie to you. But when you laughed at me, I figured you never really liked me to begin with.”

He raked a hand through his hair. “Seeing you with Sam shocked the hell out of me. I—I don’t even remember what I said.”

“You turned to your friends and said it was a miracle anyone would kiss me at all.”

He winced. “I said that because I was hurt, not because I meant it.”

“Sparring with you was the high point of my life at school. Deceiving you almost killed me, and I couldn’t tell a soul.” She shrugged. “I just couldn’t think of another way out.”

He smoothed his thumbs along her knuckles in a comforting gesture that should have been calming but had exactly the opposite effect. “You gave up everything for your family. Including your chance to get out. And I got it instead.”

She shook her head adamantly. “Don’t feel sorry for me, Leo. Everything worked out.” Well, at least now she was determined to make sure it did. “I have no regrets.” What choice did she have, really? Her sister’s life versus her happiness. There was no question.

“You’ve got it all wrong, Countess.” His voice was low and a little scratchy like sandpaper, and it sent a shiver up her spine. “I don’t feel sorry for you at all. What you did at eighteen was selfless and…inspiring.”

His eyes were warm with feeling. But not pity. He was looking at her like he respected her as his equal. And more.

“You still surprise me at every turn.” He brushed her hair back and gazed at her tenderly. “I can’t change the past.” His voice was low, a whisper. “But I promise to do everything in my power to make sure you can lead the life you want to lead in the future.”

She was stunned. She could barely breathe or swallow, and she was still struggling to hold it together. “If we manage to make our businesses successful, I can finally do what I want. Your wild ideas just might make it happen. For that I’ll always be grateful.”

Relief rolled through her. From finally telling her story. To the man she’d least expected to ever tell.

For all these years, she’d believed he thought she was…plain. Unattractive. The sensible, practical sister. That he’d befriended her just to show everyone he was being decent with the competition.