Page 64 of Heartless Sinner

The only thing missing is Dad, but at least I know he’s safe.

Neither of us could believe our ears when one of Micah’s guards came by to tell us the debt had been paid.

The same guard stayed with us for the night and he’ll be at the house for as long as we need him to be.

Of course, when I told Dad about Micah’s proposal, he wasn’t too thrilled and was worried about me, worried that I was selling my soul.

While I understood that it would be abnormal for him to be alright with it, I had to remind him that we were in a life-or-death situation.

He soon agreed after that. The next time I’ll see him is at the wedding, which Micah told me was going to take place in two weeks.

So many outlandish things have happened to me this past week that getting married in two weeks’ time sounded normal.

I spoke to Lucy briefly last night so I could bring her up to speed and stop her from sending the extra money.

I didn’t tell her about the marriage offer. I wanted to do that part in person. She should be here in a little while, so I don’t have to wait too long.

Yesterday everything felt out of sync, but now I feel like I’ve been set on a path where I can fix things.

It doesn’t hurt that I’m insanely attracted to Micah. That said, I know I have to be careful.

I’d be a fool to lose my head and my heart to a man I know very little about.

I also need to remember this isn’t forever.

It’s business with something else neither of us should label. Especially me, who just escaped a mind-wrecking relationship with a dangerous man.

I wonder what Anton must be thinking now that the money has been paid.

I pray he’ll leave me alone. That’s all I want.

A soft knock breaks through my thoughts.

"Miss Scarlett?" Maria, the head maid, calls out.

“Come in.” I stand straighter, pushing my shoulders back as if I need to make a good impression. I know I don’t. But I have no idea what Micah has told her. I just don’t want to look like some woman in his home.

The door swings open, and she walks in with her hands clasped as if in prayer. She reminds me of Professor McGonagall inHarry Potter. She has the same color hair, same build, and the same stern but kind eyes.

"Your friend Lucy is here to see you. I have her waiting in the sunroom.”

The smile I give her comes straight from my heart. “Thanks so much. I’ll go down and see her.”

“I’ve brought out some sandwiches and ice tea, but if you need anything else, just call me.”

“Sure. And thanks.”

She takes her leave and I pull in a deep breath, preparing to see Lucy. She’ll want to know everything, and like Dad, I know she’ll have her reservations.

What she and Dad don’t realize is that this was my best bad choice.

I leave the room, stepping out onto the landing with its silky wallpapered walls and chandeliers that follow me all the way down the wide sweeping stairs.

I make my way to the sunroom and find Lucy standing by the window.

She notices me and before I can say a word, she rushes toward me, her wild blonde curls bounding across her shoulders as she moves.

"Scarlett!" Her arms wrap around me, and something inside me breaks when I think of all that I’ve been through.

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