She had thought he wouldn’t hear. Or if he did, he’d laugh it off. Instead, he had stroked her hair, his tone quiet but certain. “I will.”
Now, that vow was nothing but a lie. She didn’t believe he had reasons. Just as he never believed she hadn’t betrayed him.
No wonder Victor Kane had bet she’d only live seven days—seven counted down to his wedding.
Scarlett spun and fled, but her body betrayed her. She stumbled and crashed to the ground with a painful thud.
“Who’s there?” Ryan’s voice sliced through the night, cold and precise. Footsteps closed fast. Scarlett tried to push herself up, but a shadow fell over her before she could move.
He stood above her now, looking down with eyes that belonged to a stranger.
“Who let you out?” he demanded.
Scarlett forced herself to meet his eyes. “Nobody. I escaped on my own.”
She wouldn’t drag Tristan into this. Whatever consequences came, she would bear alone.
Ryan let out a quiet, bitter laugh. “Looks like the water prison didn’t teach you anything. Still lying.”
Rowena glided forward, smile sweet but eyes sharp as knives. She crouched just enough to look down at Scarlett, voice syrup-smooth. “Children who misbehave need a little teaching.”