Page 242 of Never Fall for an Angel

I can’t mistake the sinking feeling that this is just like last time. That he’s lured me out here, and now he’s going to hurt me.

He won’t get the chance, though. I’m smarter this time. Stronger. I’ll fight to the death before I ever let him touch me again.

“You have five seconds before I’m leaving, asshole.”

It’s a lie. I refuse to leave without Bella, but it has the desired effect.

“Are you alone?”

The voice makes me jump, and I suck in a deep breath, swallowing past the thick lump in my throat.

“Yes.”

I’m met with silence.

Nothing.

“Where’s Bella?”

“Where’s my money?” he counters.

“Let me see her, then I’ll let you have it.”

“In case you forgot, you aren’t in charge here,” Sebastian growls. “If you want to see my precious baby sister again, I suggest you get me that money.”

Fuck.

“Fine.” I open the trunk, grab the two heavy bags, and pull them out.

Who knew two million dollars would weigh so much?

“Drop them.”

Gritting my teeth, I do, dropping them to the dusty floor on either side of me.

“Now, step away with your hands held up very slowly. “

“That wasn’t part of the deal.”

“I KNOW WHAT THE DEAL IS!”

I jump at his echoing voice ringing in my ears and fall silent.

“Do as I say, Mila. You really don’t want to piss me off.”

Bile rises in my throat, remembering the feeling of his hands on my body. The sound of his voice mocking me. For a second, I’m back in that basement, and he’s the demon lurking in the corner, waiting to strike.

“Give me Bella, Sebastian. She wasn’t a part of this. She’s innocent.”

“Is she, really? Innocent? Are any of you? My father locked me away in that putrid asylum. His visits were like bread crumbs while they had his full attention.”

“Your father is a bad man. He didn’t deserve you. I know you’re hurting. People have been horrible to you. But you’re better than this. You deserve to be happy.”

He actually deserves the electric chair, but at this point, I’ll say anything if he doesn’t hurt Bella.

He’s silent for a moment. And time stands still while I listen to the sound of my own heartbeat.

“Please?”

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