s lips. The three thugs closed in, forming a tight

, my voice steady despite the adr

ontempt. "You think you can just steal Aubre

reason with him, trying to buy time. "And if you do anything

o you really think Aubrey will care what happens to you? I' m

e out of the picture, my sister can f

mpt at a peaceful resolution. "I' m leavin

up this life? I don' t believe you."

n stepped forward, pulling a small, sharp knife from h

re after this," he whispered

k. A sharp, burning pain explod

mall pair of scissors in my coat pocket. I

just enough to reach into my pocket. I grabbed the scissors and,

into a shriek of pain that e

.

was cold and smel

r, supported by Aubrey, her f

" she cried, rushing

face pale and tear-streaked. I sat opposite him

lazing with hatred. She grabbed t

uld you do this to h

n my face, and I winced, biting

eyes pleading with Aub

furrowed in a deep, complica

ld him everything. Kian's a

houted. "Kian would neve

his tear-filled eyes to Aubrey. "Aubr

erpiece of fiction. He claimed I had been harassing him

eserve your help. Then she just... she came at me w