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When he slapped asped his naain, and I’d have bruises soon, but it didn’t matter I came in a fire-hot fury, aasm

He kissed , panting I held hiht explode

“I want so,” I whispered in his ear

He ”

“I want a phone”

“Then you’ll have one” No hesitation

There was nothing but trust now I tasted it on his lips Felt it between s My warm pulse My sultry body He was led up in this complicated world we lived in

And none of itThat’s all I cared about

He kissed et dressed, and we left

29

Penny

Present Day

Chicago

I balanced my phone on my palms like a holy relic I was alone in the hotel roo to hunt her down

A thousand thoughts swirled throughMy world ide open If I wanted to run, I could run

I could escape back to my family

I entered Darren’s number I knew everyone’s cell by heart We all did

It rang and rang and I was afraid he’d ignore an unknown number, but finally he answered “Darren Servant Who is this?” He sounded annoyed

“Hey, Darren Is that how you greet your sister?”

His tone changed immediately “Penny, holy shit! Is this really you? Are you safe? Where’s Kaspar? Where are you? Tell ht now Are you okay?”

“Slon,” I said, suards aiting outside in the hallway I had some privacy

This was my chance All because Kaspar trusted me

“Seriously, Pen Are you okay?”

“I’m okay He hasn’t hurt me at all Honestly, if it weren’t for hiht now”

“If it weren’t for him, you’d be safe and at home”

“Okay, that’s true” I hesitated I wanted to tell hi behind his back—

But so stopped me

If I opened my mouth now, Darren would lose it He’d rip Erin’s head from her shoulders I had no doubts he’d kill her and be done with the whole thing

Sister or not, she betrayed hiainst the family