Page 103 of This Moment

“I know.” I nodded. “But then you brought me here. What are the odds?”

He ran his hand down his face and then sat down on the steps. “Holy fuck. I really do suck at this criminal shit.”

“I mean, I wouldn’t say you totally suck. You did manage to get me out of the guest house under the nose of the FBI.”

Michael glanced up at me with a dumbfounded look. “Are you trying to make me feel better?”

“Kind of,” I said, sitting down next to him. “I’m going to guess vehicles will be pulling up soon.”

He sighed. “Should I just stay here?”

I took his hand in mine and squeezed it. “Maybe if we’re just sitting here, they won’t come in with guns blazing.”

He looked at me, and we both laughed.

“This is so fucked up.”

“It is,” I agreed. “If Kian is with them, he won’t shoot you, but he may punch you.”

Michael nodded. “The boyfriend?”

“Yes.”

“Probably should let him punch me. It’s the least I deserve.” He turned to face me. “I’m sorry I scared you, Katy.”

“If it helps, I didn’t think you would hurt me. I mean, I was scared, but not because of you.”

“My father.”

“Yep. Michael, they can keep you and Melanie safe.”

He raised a brow. “Okay, let’s forget that you were able to get me out of the house. You can start over somewhere. Maybe even in another country.”

Sighing, he said, “He’s got Melanie, Katy. What if he hurts her?”

“Trust me. I’ve got an insider advantage.”

“You do?”

I nodded.

The sounds of cars coming up the drive caused us both to look that way. We stayed seated, and when the first car pulled up, Kian opened the door before the car even came to a stop.

“Don’t move,” I said to Michael.

“Trust me, I won’t.”

Kian

The second I saw Cadie sitting on the steps with some guy, I let out what felt like the first full breath since I had found out she was missing. I was guessing it was Michael next to her, but why were they both just sitting there holding hands like old friends? The guy had kidnapped her. Or had he?

“That’s Michael Bellucci,” Lionel said as he slowed. I opened the door and practically jumped out of a moving car.

When I saw Cadie holding Michael’s hand, I frowned. She slowly stood and held up her hands. “It’s okay, he’s not going to do anything.”

She was right; Michael sat there, not moving an inch. From the corner of my eyes, I saw Lionel, Mick, and Lucas with their guns pulled and pointed toward Michael and Cadie.

“Stand up, Michael,” Lionel said. “Hands on your head, turn around, and slowly walk toward my voice.”

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