Page 46 of Heartless Sinner

"Will be returned to you. Now go."

I glance at the door then back at him before deciding to take the freedom he’s handing me.

For the second time this week, I flee, fearing for my life.

My heart thumps in my ears as I head to the door. I don’t look back until I’m outside and I know he can’t see me anymore.

There, I pause for a beat to process what just happened.

Micah kissed me. Then he let me go and said Dad would be returned to me.

He’s letting us go.

But as I touch my bruised lips, still tingling from his kiss, I sense with bone-deep certainty that this isn’t over.

I don’t think Micah Delarosa is done with me yet.

Chapter Eleven

Scarlett

I can't stop pacing around the living room.

Every shadow makes me jump. Every creak of the floorboards sends my heart racing.

Dad watches me from the armchair, his face lined with worry and exhaustion. The bruises on his face have darkened to purple and he has a new cast on his leg.

He got home last night,returnedto me as Micah promised. But now the worry of what comes next hangs like the breath before a storm.

Night has fallen again and with it a new set of worries. The waiting game. We know it’s only a matter of time before something else happens. Something worse than what’s already happened.

I’m glad we’re home and alive, but every time I look at Dad, I keep thinking I need to get him out of here.

We’ve heard nothing from Anton. When I got back yesterday, all the bodies and blood of his men had been cleared from the house. That would have been Micah’s doing. If it were Anton, hewould have been here waiting for me. And I don’t think I’d be here right now.

Anton’s debt still needs to be paid. And I don’t believe for one second that Micah isn’t keeping his eye on us.

The annoying thing is, I can still feel his kiss on my lips and his touch on my skin. Every time I try to shake him from my mind, the memories come back ten times stronger.

I’ve never met anyone who’s managed to confuse me the way he has.

"Scarlett." Dad’s voice stops me in my tracks and I look at him. "Sit down, sweetheart. You're wearing a path in the carpet."

I walk over and sink onto the couch opposite him. "We need to leave, Dad. I think we should leave tonight. Just pack what we can and go."

He leans forward, wincing at the movement. "If anyone needs to leave, it’s you.”

That was the first thing he said when he got home. “I’m not leaving you. Why are you being so stubborn? Can’t you see how much danger we’re in?”

“Don’t ask me that. I can see just fine how much danger we’re in. But, sweetie, we have no money and my leg is fucked. I will slow you down if we have to run. That debt is nothing to do with you.”

“Dad—”

“Scarlett, don’t. I’m not going, but I insist that you go.”

“I’m not leaving you.” My voice cracks and I'm on my feet again.

Dad's eyes narrow. "Scarlett, staying here is fruitless."

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