Page 56 of Wretched Choices

“I was wondering who they would send when I called Hall Media. I never thought they would take me seriously.”

“I’m Isabel.”

“I’m Hope.”

I can’t believe all I heard in there. I walk out toward the car and write a quick email to the private investigator I work with to look into things she said. Some names and places. If there is truth in what Hope said, then I have one good story.

I turn and look at the old factory. Hope is living there with a girl and three other guys who she said were all at the same foster home and ran away.

“I wish I could help them.”

Salvatore stops beside me. “You can’t, and I suggest you leave this be. Give the story to someone else.”

I turn to him, my brows furrowed. “Why would I do that?”

“We need to lie low. You need to lie low. And this isn’t that.”

I hold up a hand. “No,” I say firmly. If he thinks he can boss me around regarding my job, he can think again. “There is nothing that will stop me from doing my job and writing this story. You are not the boss of me.” I watch his jaw tick and his nostrils flare. “I can help that girl by getting to the bottom of this story. You will not stop me.”

I take a step to the side and open the car door, only for them to be locked. His hand wraps around my middle and he pulls me to him, his front pressed to my back, his breath in my ear as he speaks.

“Do you know what happens to people who cross me? I guess you couldn’t find that out in your little investigation.”

I swallow the lump in my throat and shake my head.

“They regret it. I’m what they think about before they breathe out their last breath. I should punish you for punching me in the face, but I’ll let it slide this time.” He grabs me by my throat and tilts my head back so it lies on his shoulder as he looks at me. “I think I will enjoy punishing you. I need to teach you how things work in my world, Bella.” He lets me go and opens the car door for me. “Now, get inside before I decide to punish you on the spot.”

With my knees weak, I slide in, not having the courage to look at him because I might just let him do exactly what he wants.

I try not to think about his threat and what kind of punishment he will use when Salvatore’s chuckle interrupts my thoughts.

“What’s so funny?” I ask.

“You. Where did you learn how to defend yourself?”

“I took some classes. My job is pretty dangerous as you saw. The guys I go after are not Stepford Wives.”

“That was impressive. I didn’t see that one coming.”

“I know.”

He sighs. “Look, I’m sorry I mentioned that you use your looks to get what you want. I never should have said that.”

“I never planned on seducing you. You are the one that kissed me in my apartment and the one that touched me first.”

“I know.”

“Then why are you using that against me?”

“I’m not. I’m trying to apologize, Goddammit.”

“Well, you are doing a shitty job. Stop talking.”

He does until I laugh. If anyone could see us like this, they would say we were crazy. His throaty laugh joins mine, and it isn’t until we stop at a red light that Salvatore’s attention is caught by something.

I follow his gaze to a man who looks familiar.

“Son of a bitch,” Salvatore curses and takes his phone out, taking pictures.

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