se

ng on his shoulder. He held her close, steadying her as she swayed slightly, ad

ias's voice was a low murmur, a playful scolding mixed with undiluted ad

issed you, Daddy! And I was so clever, pretending to be the delivery girl. She would never h

it again, okay? You know how important it is to keep our secret safe." He kissed her forehead. "I'll do anything

ways change your clothes after you see me! Are you reall

ell, a sound of feigned resignation. "Of course I love Elise," he said, his

?" Krystal pressed,

vorite distraction. My special secret. Besides Elise, you're the one I care for the

door, gently placing her inside. He leaned in, whispering something I couldn't hear, but her del

r, the car b

iding down until I was sitting on the grimy floor. My heart was a shattered mess in my ch

, the rocking stopped. The engine roared to life, and Elias's

mber in my call log. It was the number she'd given me y

ssed

his car had been. "I'm ready to take your money. I'm ready to leave him." My vo