Page 39 of The Ghost of Rage's War

“Fuck if I know. But if Michaelson was aware of her, you gotta question him leaving her to hang. It’s obvious they’re at war with someone. Wouldn’t you gather your loved ones?” Seabrooke asked.

“Agreed. And Michaelson is all about family. Does Carmelle know who he is?”

“There was no recognition when his name was mentioned around her,” Sharp replied.

“Well, she’s mine now. And she’ll be treated a lot better than the Venomous Fangs were caring for her. I can’t wait to inform Fury I have her,” Romeo gloated.

Inside, Sharp rolled his eyes. Actions like that would get him and everyone killed. But Sharp recognised his mood. There’d be no talking to him.

Carmelle – four days later.

Although there was snow on the ground outside, it was sunny. Wrapping Shannon and Sadie up, I walked down the stairway and, for the first time in months, felt sun on my face. It was wonderful. I could see men in suits and coats walking the grounds, but I ignored them as I encouraged Shannon to play in the snow. My girl stood there, staring around but not moving.

“Shannon, you can play. Shall we make a snow angel?” I asked.

“Bad man,” Shannon whispered.

My heart breaking for how damaged my baby was, I hugged her tightly.

“Not here,” I tried assuring her.

“It’s a snow princess!” a guy exclaimed, and Shannon leapt into my arms. We turned and saw Sharp behind us.

“Hi,” I said stupidly as he smiled at the three of us. Sadie was sitting on a bench and kicked her little legs.

The first genuine smile crossed my lips in months as Sharp crouched and bowed to Shannon, who stared at him wide-eyed.

“Your royal princesses,” Sharp murmured.

Sadie shrunk even closer to me. Sharp didn’t crowd her and kept a distance from the three of us.

“We’re going to make a snowman,” I said to Sharp.

He studied me carefully before resting his eyes on my face. Whatever he saw made him nod.

“You look healthier,” he stated.

“Amazing what a couple of days of good meals can do,” I responded.

“Yeah. Do you need anything? I still have some money that your friend gave me,” Sharp said, and I frowned. Why didn’t he say Volcano’s name? Sharp flicked his eyes to the guards and then back to me.

He was obviously protecting Volcano. Why?

“No. We have everything,” I replied. “Mr Santos has been most generous.”

“Romeo is a giving person,” Sharp muttered. “I’m going to finish some paperwork. I hope you make some wonderful snowmen.” He passed by me, and as we touched shoulder to shoulder, he murmured in myear. “Keep a go bag packed with necessities for each of the kids and yourself.”

Somehow, I stopped myself from reacting. It appeared that even if you lived in paradise, trouble would find you.

That evening, I did as Sharp advised and organised three travel bags that had mysteriously arrived in my room.

Sharp – a week later.

He met Carmelle a few times, taking an odd meal with her and seeing her outside. Romeo was also watching her and had spoken to her alone. Sharp kept watch but didn’t interfere. Carmelle and the two girls looked healthier and had put on a little weight. In Sharp’s opinion, all three of them desperately needed that. Snow covered the ground in South Dakota, so Carmelle was never outside long because of the chill.

Sharp was pleased to see them regaining their health. Maria, the maid, had confirmed that Carmelle’s bruises had faded, but Sharp still tortured himself with those images. He’d been there and had been unable to stop her from being harmed so malevolently.

Fury was facing a ton of reckonings; this was merely one more.

---