Page 114 of Heartless Sinner

“I managed to get things wrapped up early. I wanted to get back to you.” He closes the space between us when I reach the bottom step.

Think, Scarlett. Think.

“How about we go out to dinner? We could go to that restaurant you like in the city.”

“Actually, I left one of my bags at the studio. I was going to ask one of the guards to take me back to get it. Is there any way you could get it for me? I’m not feeling well and it has some private stuff in there that I need.” I’m trying to make this up as I go along, praying it sounds legit.

“Sure. Is it one of the blue bags?”

“Yes, the small one.” Oh God, he actually believes me. I need to say something more so he’ll know I’m in trouble.

“I’ll get it and come right back.”

Micah steps back and I take the chance to hug him. This is also my actual chance to save myself and Dad. “Thanks so much.”

“Anything for you.”

He leans in to kiss me. When he stops, I press my lips to his cheek.

Now. It has to be now.

“Help me, Micah,” I whisper into his ear, holding him against me. “They’re upstairs. Anton, Jenson, and my brother. They’ve captured my father. They want me to get the prints.”

I speak as quickly and as quietly as I can, then pull away from him hoping I didn’t stay too long and that I didn’t say too much or look obvious.

“Let me know how you feel when I get back.” Micah smiles, keeping up the pretense but he makes a point of glancing up the stairs. “Maybe we can still go to dinner.”

“Sure. I’ll take a bath. That should help. I love you.”

His gaze switches back to mine. “I love you more, bellezza.”

When I step away, the worry in his eyes grips me, but I try not to fall apart .

I turn around and head back up the stairs praying for another miracle.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Micah

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

This is not happening. Anton is here in the house with Johnny.

And Jenson is the fucking rat. My pulse thunders in my ears, each beat pounding in the gravity of his betrayal.

Fuck.He was the least likely person on my radar because he's worked for my family since before I was born. He’s been my guard all my life. I got so close to him that when I left him, my father allowed him to follow me.

But everyone has a price and I come from a world that thrives on greed.

Jenson wanted more than he had, and he fucked me over to get it. The bitter taste of realization coats my tongue.

He's always been an enforcer. There was nothing more he could do than steal from me to move up the rank in wealth.

I ball my hands at my sides, fingernails biting crescents into my palms, but I try not to lose my shit as I walk out of the house. The worst thing I could do is draw attention to myself. That would put Scarlett in even more danger than she already is.

The air hits my face like a slap, carrying the metallic scent of approaching rain.

I can't fucking believe I had to let her go back up to the bedroom with them in there. It's like throwing her into shark-infested waters and hoping she won't get eaten. My chest constricts with each breath, the weight of my decision pressing down like a stone.

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