Page 125 of Moth to a Flame

“We’re going home.”

“Landon.”

Ignoring her, I turn to the repair room, ready to knock on the door, and let Rosemary know we’re leaving.

“No.” Rosemary’s voice is hushed. At first, I’m not even sure I’ve heard it. “No. No! Don’t you dare tell me—No!”

Regan freezes in my arms. Straightens her spine.

Sheer terror is etched on each one of her beautiful features.

“Landon,” she breathes.

“Yes, my love.” My lips quirk to the side. “He’s out.”

Let the games begin.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Regan

“Time to go home.”Landon has a hand on the back of my neck and one at my waist, walking me through the store and toward the exit.

“Rosemary.” My feet are planted in place.

My sappy and sweet emotions from a second ago are gone. Washed far, far away. Terror and panic take their place. More than this morning. More than any other time in my life other than that night in Central Park.

They’ve let him out.

How could they have let him out?

“Don’t make me tell you twice.” His voice is strained.

“We have to tell her we’re leaving.”

“She knows the plan.” He smirked when we heard Rosemary’s pained cries. He’s not amused anymore. He’s mad.

He’s protective.

We’re standing in the middle of my store.

The sun starts to set, but it’s not an orange glow that bathes the streets. It’s dark gray. An omen. A bad one.

“I’m getting you the fuck out of here.”

A customer I don’t recognize pushes the door and walks through the door. She’s about my height, her blonde hair piled up on her head in a messy bun and she’s holding out her cell phone.

Landon throws me behind him, protecting me from the girl. From the world.

“I need to get my phone fixed, please.”

“Not today. Leave,” he thunders. His shout shakes the walls of our shop.

Mybonesshake.

The girl doesn’t hang around to find out what else he’s capable of. I hear her sneakers pounding against the pavement as she runs off.

“Regan.” Rosemary hurls herself out of the repair room. I look over my shoulder, as much as Landon’s grip on me allows. She’s crying. Her mascara leaves black streaks on her cheeks. “Regan, I’m so sorry.”

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