Page 102 of Inside the Wicked

We watch the driveway past the gates, but I haven’t seen any people yet. I know there’s a grounds worker and likely frequent house maintenance—I just have to hope luck is on my side and it’s not a day they’re here.

“A book,” I say absentmindedly. I wish I had binoculars. We’re lousy spies.

“Why?”

“Because I think Liam took more than just home inspiration fromTwilight.”

I’ll be highly amused if I’m right. My gut sinks at the thought of him. I miss him, and I’m so terribly concerned for him and how we’ll get him out of the mess his father created when we do find him. The others may have their reservations, thinking he could be hiding a sick, twisted side like Matthew, but I don’t believe it, even for a second. They don’t know him like I do.

Adam says, “I should go in. You wait on standby in the getaway car. I imagine it’s on that little bookshelf that floats above your desk.”

It’s not a bad idea, actually. As much as I hate the thought of sitting idle here.

“Yes, it is.”

I give him my keys, and Adam unclips his seat belt and gets out the car. I’m still scrambling to convince him I should go with him.

He takes a route I know will elude the surveillance cameras, but I worry they'll have something new in place at the back door now the property is vacant and more vulnerable to thieves. I bite my thumb and bounce my knee as ten minutes turns to twenty.He should be back by now.I try calling his cell, but it rings out.

“Damn it, Adam,” I mutter.

My eyes flick up just briefly and catch a flicker of movement trying to creep up on my side in the mirror, and I know it’s not Adam. My hand lashes out for the lock button just in time as the man tries my door, and I gasp, heart thundering, as I stare right at the gun in his hand.

“Miss Kinsley, we’re armed police,” he says, producing a badge as he brings his face to my window. “Is there anyone else in the car with you?”

I’m scrambling with what to do. This was over before we even got a chance. Did my father already anticipate I might come back here?

“We’re under order of the president to detain you. If you will please cooperate with us, ma’am.”

Like fuck I will.

It’s in that second I make the most crazy, reckless, and dangerous decision. I pull off the hand brake and kick down on the accelerator.

Sirens pursue me in a heartbeat, and I have no idea what I plan to do next.

I’ve lost my damn mind.

I try Adam’s phone again. This time he answers, and I’m about to scramble nonsense words in my panic about what the fuck to do, but it’s not his voice I hear.

“Anastasia Kinsley, you will stop that car right now!” my father yells.

I quickly hang up.

“Shit!” I hiss into the car.

Adrenaline is pumping my blood hot and fast as I focus on the road I’m speeding dangerously through. I cut into less busy areas, but I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing.Whothe fuck I think I am. All I know is that as soon as my dad has me, he’ll put me under lockdown.

I won’t be separated from Rhett again. Though a high-speed police chase is a radical declaration of love, even for us.

Rhett’s going to be pissed as hell when he finds out.

I wasn’t lying when I said I was great driver. It’s as if the stakes make me more focused on the road, the possible hazards, the consideration of others. This car drives like a dream, and I decide it’s better than the Porsche I typically favor.

My phone rings again, and I only just catch a glimpse of the caller ID in my focus. I can’t tell if I’m awash with dread or relief to see Rhett’s name.

I pick up and press the speaker.

“Ana, where the fuck are you?” he growls into the phone.

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