Page 75 of A Twisted Arrangement

My chest tightens, and I have to fight against it. Screw this. It’s just a knife, not a declaration of love.

I grab the handle and walk out of the room, where Oliver’s waiting for me with my favorite pair of boots.

He glances at his watch. “We have less than a minute to get to my car. Hurry.”

I slip my boots on, not bothering to tie the laces, and race after Oliver. Time ticks away as I push through the door, onto the veranda, and down the wood steps. Oliver has the door open, and he’s already rounding the corner to get into the front seat. I just need one last look. I turn my head, knowing I’m wastingprecious seconds, and stumble backward, my butt hitting the ground.

The house is exactly what I wished for when Matthias and I were stuck in that room. When I told the only boy I trusted my dreams that I never believed would come true.

It’s a farmhouse, painted eggshell blue with white trim, with a wood shake roof. My eyes burn, and my breath catches. There’s a wraparound porch and the tire swing hanging from one of the tree’s sturdy branches.

Tears pool over my lashes and run down my cheeks. He built it for me. Everything he’s said comes crashing to the forefront.

“I told you I’d marry you when you turned twenty-five.”

“I waited for you.”

“We’re meant to be together, Scarlet, and I’m going to make you believe it.”

“There’s the fire I love.”

“Anything you want, Little Sparrow.”

“I’ve already given up too many nights without you.”

I thought this was just some kind of sick, twisted game. One where my heart was the only one on the line. All of this time, he’s been waiting for me…

My heart aches, and I press my palm against it. I need to hear him say it. I need to understand exactly what’s happening. Why did he let me go when I would have stayed with him? I never would have gone to Stanford if he’d asked me to stay.

“Get up. We have to go.” Oliver’s in front of me, holding out his hand.

I shake my head furiously, unable to form words.

“Scarlet. He’s seen me on the cameras by now. He’s going to kill me if we stay any longer.”

I lift my gaze to the man who’s protected me all these years, but I can’t bring myself to follow him. “I can’t leave. Just go without me. I’ll deal with Matthias.”

“Get in the car, Scarlet.” He grabs my arm, but I pull it back. “This chance won’t happen again.”

I meet his eyes and shake my head. He’s done so much for me. “I’m sorry. Just go.”

He looks me over, as if debating the merits of lifting me and tossing me into the car. I square my shoulders, ready to fight him off.

“Fine, have it your way.” He looks across the field.

Matthias’s men are running from different directions, one calling out not to shoot.

I nod. “Go.”

Oliver’s tires squeal, gravel kicking up behind him as he books it out of here.

I lift myself off the ground and slap away the hands that try to grab me.

“Don’t touch me. I’m going back.”

One of the guards holds his gun at me, and I laugh.

“I suggest you lower that.”

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