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I juain, an aggravated sigh exploding

He ht have a key to lock me inside, but I had a better barricade He would only touchhe ever did

I supposed I should thank hiht visitor

Not only had I manhandled the dresser across the door, I’d also fashioned pieces of fabric with sharp needles embedded to make a simple knuckleduster I’d counted how many scissors I had, how many tools I could use to defend e

I’d hidden my arsenal around the room Some I stashed in my bedside table, some beneath my workstation, and even tucked in pockets sewn into rade with knitting needles and scalpels carefully sewn into cuffs and hems

Once I’d moved the dresser, I’d replaced the drawers and heavy fabric bolts that’d rested inside its carcass There was no earthly way someone could move it Not unless they had ten Black Diamonds outside my door

Which I wouldn’t discount as a possibility

Jethro was gone But it didn’t o quietly

I’m ready, you asshole

Just try ainst the dresser with a resounding crack A curse fell in the silence; they jiggled the knob, followed by another s my dirk free from my waistband

Daniel would need a bomb to move the dresser, but it didn’t es into this rooe had rabbit warrens of unseen pathways and secret co louder with frustration

I huddled into a battle stance, preparing to stab Daniel’s hand through the crack My e to hurl profanity and curses To threaten and thwart

"Nila, open the damn door"

I froze

It wasn’t Daniel

Ti uncomfortably

"Nila…it’s me"

Me?

The voice was feminine Sweet and soft but hushed and worried

Not a rief

A sister I couldn’t stand

I laughed coldly "So forcing h, huh?" My hand curled tight around e just like your fucked-up family?"

Jasmine sucked in a breath

I inched closer to the door, nervousness popping in my blood