Page 113 of Heartless Sinner

“He’s our father. And I amyour sister. Doesn’t that mean anything to you?”

All I get for an answer is a clenched jaw, and I realize I need to save my breath. Humanity missed Johnny completely, so he really and truly doesn’t care about us.

“Ready to play the game, little bird?” Anton snags my hair, guiding me back to face him. “Be assured that if you turn me down, your father’s dead. All I have to do is say the word and my guard will blow his brains out.”

“You are truly evil.”

“Maybe, but it doesn’t matter. The end justifies the means. Get the blueprints and bring them up here. We’ll use our guard friend here to take the secret passage to escape. We have his wife and newborn baby, so he won’t disappoint us.” He points toward the Creed guard, who flinches, then Anton looks back at me. “Obviously, I want you to come back to Denver with me. Once you’re there, I’ll free your father.”

Oh, Jesus. This isn’t happening. It can’t be. Poor Dad.

Even if I get the blueprints, there’s no guarantee that Anton will keep him alive. His word is as good as shit.

“Let my father go first.”

Anton yanks on my hair again. “I don’t think so, little bird. That’s not how we’re going to do things. It’s my way or the fucking highway.”

Of course, it is.

I’m about to answer when I hear Micah’s voice downstairs. He’s talking to Maria

Oh my God, he’s back. I wasn’t expecting him until much later.

Anton seethes and glares at the Creed guard. “You said he wouldn’t be back until tonight.”

“I also told you he never shares specific whereabouts.”

“If he sees me, he’s going to know something is up.” Jenson’s eyes go wide. “Only the Creed guards are allowed inside the house. And we can’t use that guy. Look at his fucking face.”

They’re right. One look at the guard and you can tell he’s been in a fight.

Anton looks at me. “You. Go and deal with yourhusband. Find some way to get rid of him and get back here. Rest assured, if you fucking try to warn him, I’ll kill your father right in front of you.”

The shudder that lances through me at that image is powerful enough to shake me to my core.

“Do you hear me?” He shakes my shoulders.

“I hear you.”

Anton releases me when we hear Micah calling me.

I wipe the tears from my face and stand wondering what I’m going to tell him.

He’s my only hope, but if I use him, Dad could die.

Trembling, I make my way to the door. Jenson steps out of the way, allowing me to open it and walk through, but I notice he keeps it ajar and watches me.

Micah approaches the stairs, so I move quickly knowing that the further away he is, the more chance I have of maybe giving him a heads-up without being seen.

He sees me coming down the stairs and I’m glad when he stops by the table near the wall.

“Bellezza, there you are.” He smiles back at me, looking relieved.

I wonder if he can see the bruise on my cheek or if he can tell I was crying.

Anton got me on the side of my cheek and my hair is down, so chances are Micah may not be able to see a bruise.

“Hey, I’m so glad you’re home.”

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