ian

ilence of the hallway pressing in on me, a stark contrast to the chaos sw

rs ago, a symbol of trust I had so thoroughly betraye

awling vineyards, her back to me. She didn't turn, but

as flat, devoid of the warmth

st let me explain." I

in how you and Lily were using me? Explain how you tried to publicly humiliate

voice sounding desperate. "You don't

e made a promise, Scarlett. A promise sealed in blood and fear. I swore I wo

ing. "He saved us. I promised him I would take care of you,

ord a curse on her lips. "So I w

o care for you, Scarlett. I alway

ced at the screen. It was Lily. Her name flashed l

ter smile spread across her face. "Go on," sh

insistent. Lily would be panickin

rted, but no

again, her voice lik

om, out of her life, closing the door be

scribbled a number with far too many zeros, and slid it under