d the roar of flames. The Allen ma

ay, clutching the ring. I knew better than to

voice. "She did this! Emely did this! She's tryin

sharp, clear thread i

hrough the noise, a voice

me

y old bedroom on the second floor. His silhouette

he yelled, his voice

my voice was a choked, s

r in his eyes, and for a dangerous mom

e feeling. It's just instinct, it said. He's been rai

wer was

e grass a few feet from me, his back

m and immediately pointing a trembling finger

met Grady's eyes. They were wild, con

er?" I asked, my

gaze dark and unreada

, I had my answer.

said, his voice a low growl, "you will pa

ie if he leaves me. I finally understood her plan. She didn't just want

ll what they wanted. I wo

would dare take me to the police station," I said, a mockin

ury. My defiance had p

"What's wrong, Grady?" I purred, my voice low and seductive. "A

ther hand shot out, grabbing my arm and shoving me back against

rage and disgust. "I don't know what you were to me before, but

t you are useful. You'll be the perfect backdrop to ma

on started to swim. I struggle

stumbled, catching myself on the wall.

days," he called over his

quick text to Jeremiah: It's

Understood. I'm in the city. Call if

leaned against the cold bricks, my arm throbbing. I looked up and sa

smile. "I'll be there,"

would be complete. H

ty. Their love for their son, and his stubborn insistence, won out. The ballroom

lowed me as I move

rison? I thought she

know. Fell in love with

ed to worship the gr

shook his head. "What a tragedy. If I'd known this would hap