Page 8 of King of Wrath

In my bag is hair dye—I’m going brunette—and the bare essentials for toiletries and clothes.

Jess still thinks I’m going on a date so I couldn’t pack too much. I did manage to stow another small bag in the bushes out back. I’ve got maybe three days’ worth of clothes in there. I wish I could have brought more, but the bag had to be small enough to remain hidden and my purse has to appear to Jess, not like I’m running away, and more like I’ve finally developed a love of cosmetics.

It’s believable. Most girls would develop a love of products dating a guy like Gris. Jess certainly would.

And she’s the only reason I’m getting out tonight and she’s the one who’ll cover for me when I text her and tell her the date is going really well and I won’t be home tonight.

Right on cue, she knocks on my door.

“Come in.”

She opens it, looking a bit flushed in her cheeks, her eyes glassy. “You’re good to head out the back. Meet Mike by the door in the kitchen.”

Her blush deepens. Mike must be the guy she’s blowing. Did she give him another to get me out tonight? That’s way more altruistic than my sister usually behaves. I wonder what’s really going on between them?

Does he know she’s using him to go out with other guys? Does he care? “Thanks, Jess.”

She nods. “Do me a favor and land this guy. They’re going to be big players, and you’ll set us both up if you do.”

“Set us up?” But I’m starting to understand. She’s got a vested interest.

She shrugs. “I’m not sure Dad is doing all that great. We need to find men who can sustain us.”

I give a curt nod. I knew about Dad’s finances, but I’m surprised she’s paid enough attention to notice. Then again, it’s one area she might be deeply vested. Not that I’m knocking my sister. She should understand what’s about to happen to her and I sincerely hope she finds a way out before it does. Jess might be interested in being plastic but she’s not a bad person. In fact, no one has done more for me. I wish I could tell her the truth. I’m so tired of it being between us.

I wish I could be different, a real sister instead of this frozen statue.

“Thanks for doing this, Jess. I really appreciate it.”

She steps into the room. “You do it for me all the time. It’s the least I can do. Besides,” her gaze slides away, “I don’t know what guy Dad’s picked for you in Italy, but I know he won’t be as hot as Gris.”

She knows about that too? I reach for her hand, giving it a squeeze. I’d like to say more, tell her I love her, but I can’t make the words come out.

I push up from my chair and cross to give her a hug. She hugs me back, squeezing me tight. “Go get him and get out of here. And I mean tonight and permanently.”

I squeeze her one last time and then grab my bag, dashing out the door before I get confessional. Creeping my way down to the kitchen, I check every hall and doorway. Not that I need to bother.

It’s a Saturday night and the house is empty. The guards on site are tasked with keeping us safe and keeping us locked away. Mike must not realize what my dad is capable of to be helping us like this. He prizes loyalty above all else.

Not that he’s loyal to anyone. Not even family.

I make my way down the kitchen, the back door open. It’s never open.

Stepping outside, I find a good-looking guard I’d never noticed before leaning against the house, smoking a cigarette, looking very relaxed.

I say a silent thank you to Jess as he points toward a door by theback gate. “It’s unlocked. The cameras swing back around in five so you better hurry.”

With a nod, I start across the lawn, hefting my bag higher on my shoulder. It’s that moment my phone chimes.

I don’t look, dashing across the grass to where my suitcase is stashed. Lifting it with my other hand, I sprint to the emergency door that is partially hidden by some bushes. I’ve seen the door a thousand times, so I don’t have to hunt.

Twisting the knob, I’m almost surprised when it’s actually unlocked. Tugging, it swings open, and I step out onto the back street behind our property.

I can’t believe I’m here. Outside the walls with no guard and no father… Drawing in a deep gulp of air, I close my eyes for a split second. I’m going to be free…

Lifting my phone, I check the text, cursing under my breath. It’s Gris. He’s going to be late…

What the hell am I supposed to do?

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