Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82165 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82165 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Shaking his head, he closed his eyes. “I don’t know, Katy. I’m so fucking scared for you…for me…for my sister. Melanie. If my father pulled me into this, how do I know he won’t do the same to her?”
“Then stop him, Michael. You have the power to do that.”
He turned and looked at the door, then frowned. “Do you hear that?”
The sound of a helicopter flew overhead. “Yes.”
“Is that a helicopter?”
I followed him as he walked outside and looked up.
“Michael, I don’t know how to tell you this, but this cabin…the FBI has been watching it, and there is a silent alarm.”
He spun around and looked at me. “What? How in the world would you know that?”
I let out a humorless laugh. “Funny thing…I rented this cabin. It’s owned by the guy I’m dating. I was staying with him at his family home because the FBI thought it would be safer than here.”
Blinking at me, Michael opened his mouth to say something then shut it. Then he laughed. “Safer? Holy shit, Katy. I managed to get you out of that mansion without them knowing and I didn’t even know what in the hell I was doing.”
“I know.” I nodded. “But then you brought me here. What are the odds?”
He ran his hand down his face and then sat down on the steps. “Holy fuck. I really do suck at this criminal shit.”
“I mean, I wouldn’t say you totally suck. You did manage to get me out of the guest house under the nose of the FBI.”
Michael glanced up at me with a dumbfounded look. “Are you trying to make me feel better?”
“Kind of,” I said, sitting down next to him. “I’m going to guess vehicles will be pulling up soon.”
He sighed. “Should I just stay here?”
I took his hand in mine and squeezed it. “Maybe if we’re just sitting here, they won’t come in with guns blazing.”
He looked at me, and we both laughed.
“This is so fucked up.”
“It is,” I agreed. “If Kian is with them, he won’t shoot you, but he may punch you.”
Michael nodded. “The boyfriend?”
“Yes.”
“Probably should let him punch me. It’s the least I deserve.” He turned to face me. “I’m sorry I scared you, Katy.”
“If it helps, I didn’t think you would hurt me. I mean, I was scared, but not because of you.”
“My father.”
“Yep. Michael, they can keep you and Melanie safe.”
He raised a brow. “Okay, let’s forget that you were able to get me out of the house. You can start over somewhere. Maybe even in another country.”
Sighing, he said, “He’s got Melanie, Katy. What if he hurts her?”
“Trust me. I’ve got an insider advantage.”
“You do?”
I nodded.
The sounds of cars coming up the drive caused us both to look that way. We stayed seated, and when the first car pulled up, Kian opened the door before the car even came to a stop.
“Don’t move,” I said to Michael.
“Trust me, I won’t.”
Kian
The second I saw Cadie sitting on the steps with some guy, I let out what felt like the first full breath since I had found out she was missing. I was guessing it was Michael next to her, but why were they both just sitting there holding hands like old friends? The guy had kidnapped her. Or had he?
“That’s Michael Bellucci,” Lionel said as he slowed. I opened the door and practically jumped out of a moving car.
When I saw Cadie holding Michael’s hand, I frowned. She slowly stood and held up her hands. “It’s okay, he’s not going to do anything.”
She was right; Michael sat there, not moving an inch. From the corner of my eyes, I saw Lionel, Mick, and Lucas with their guns pulled and pointed toward Michael and Cadie.
“Stand up, Michael,” Lionel said. “Hands on your head, turn around, and slowly walk toward my voice.”
Michael did exactly what he was told to do. Once he was in custody, I rushed over and pulled Cadie into my arms. I knew I was holding her too tightly, but I didn’t care.
“Can’t breathe,” she whispered.
I pushed her back at arm’s length and looked her over. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine. He didn’t hurt me. I promise.”
My hands moved over her body, checking for myself. “Why were you sitting on the porch holding his hand?”
“I figured no one would shoot him that way.”
I laughed. “My God, Cadie. Did you honestly think they wouldn’t have their guns drawn?”
“Well, I was kind of hoping they wouldn’t. I’m so sorry about all of this.”
I kissed her forehead and whispered, “You don’t owe me an apology. I was so scared.”
She took my hands in hers. “I’m okay. I am a bit concerned that Michael was able to slip by the FBI. He’s not exactly a smart criminal. Just ask him, and he’ll agree with me.”
I glanced over my shoulder to see Lionel putting Michael into the back of one of the black SUVs. “I don’t even want to look at him right now because I’m afraid I’ll kill him.”