Page 25 of The Lilac River

"Lily, open this damn door," he barked. "I saw your mom and grandmother leaving. Open it. Now."

My hand trembled as I reached for the lock. My book dropped from my grip. The old envelope I used as a bookmark fluttered to the floor, and stupidly, I panicked about losing my place.

Anything to focus on except the terror making my legs feel like jelly.

Another pound on the door made me jump. I had to answer. If I didn’t, he’d stay. And I couldn’t risk Mom coming home and finding him here.

Gritting my teeth, I opened the door.

His silhouette filled the frame like a bad dream.

"What the fuck are you doing back here?" he snapped. "No one wants you here. Least of all my son."

"Hello to you, too, Mayor Miller," I said, summoning every ounce of false calm I had left.

He leaned in. His breath was sour with coffee. His narrow eyes were cold replicas of Nash’s only without the warmth Nash had ever held for me.

"I repeat. What are you doing here?"

I clutched my book tighter to my chest, like it could shield me. “I’m helping my mom with my grandma. That’s all.”

“Don’t be smart. You know what I mean. You’re back in Silver Peaks."

"I know. It’s been ten years."

His sneer deepened. "Don’t think you can pick up where you left off with my son. He’s moved on."

"I’m aware," I said, voice steady despite the shaking inside me. "I have no intentions toward Nash."

"Good," he growled. "Remember that."

He stepped closer, and I took an involuntary step back onto the first stair.

"I'd like you to leave," I said. My heart pounded. "You have no right threatening me."

"I'm not threatening. I'm reminding." His lip curled. "Stay away from my son."

Something snapped inside me.

I drew a deep breath. "And what if I don’t?" I asked, summoning courage I hadn’t known I still had.

He studied me, a sick gleam in his eye.

"I'll destroy you. I’m on the hospital board. Your mother’s job? Gone. Yours? Gone. I’ll ruin you again if I have to."

My stomach clenched.

I wanted to scream. I wanted to slam the door in his face. Instead, I stood tall.

"You took everything from me once," I said softly. "Even you can’t be so heartless to do it again."

His sneer twisted deeper. "You think so, little girl? Don’t test me."

He turned and stalked off, slamming his car door and tearing down the drive.

I collapsed onto the stairs, heart hammering painfully.

He couldn’t ruin me again.

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