Page 12 of Nowhere to Run

For the briefest moment, Adrian’s grip tightened, but something flickered behind his eyes.

Pain.

It was gone in an instant, replaced with cold fury.

Preston smirked, shaking out his shoulders.

“You’re banking on that football scholarship, aren’t you?” His voice dripped with mockery. “It’s the only way your sorry ass is getting into college.”

Adrian’s glare darkened, his fingers twitching at his sides, like he was debating. But after a long, charged moment, he released him with a sharp shake, his voice razor-edged.

“Stay the fuck away from Scarlett.” His tone was low, dangerous. “She’s mine.”

Mine.

The word hung in the air, heavy and final.

And then—they were both gone.

Leaving me standing there, heart pounding, my body shaking, the crumpled note still balled up in my fist.

I exhaled sharply, shaking my head.

No. I’m not back there.

I’m standing on my porch, holding these flowers.

From Ryan.

The wonderful man I’m seeing.

I’m not a scared little girl anymore.

The card must have gotten lost. That’s all.

I turned on my heel, ready to bring the bouquet inside. To push the moment away.

But then—

My breath caught.

Sticking out from under the welcome mat, a note.

And I knew this handwriting.

Chapter Four

Isucked in a sharp breath, snatching the note out from under the mat.

So, not only did he know where I lived—he’d been here. He stood on my doorstep. Placed this letter under the mat with his own hands. The thought sent an icy chill slithering down my spine.

My hands shook as I unfolded the note, my breath shallow, eyes almost unwilling to read what he’d written.

Dear Scarlett,

I watched you for so long. Wanting and waiting.

Then that day came.

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