Page 60 of The Road Less Traveled By

“Emerson! Did you see this get dropped off?”

“What is it?” Emerson asks, coming closer to us.

I hear Vince mutter a curse under his breath. “How the fuck does he keep getting past us?”

“I’m sure you’ll figure—”

The phone starts to ring, and Vince answers immediately. “Who the fuck is this?”

I don't hear the other side of the conversation, but I notice that the vein on Vince’s forehead starts to strain, whatever the other person is saying clearly stressing him out.

“Absolutely not. You can talk to me, motherfucker. Leave her out of this.”Her.Me. It’s Ralph.

Vince curses a bit more before he hands the phone to me. I take it from him, my body shaking as I pick it up, but I don't speak. I know he can hear me breathing from the other side of the line.

“Is that you, little lamb? I remember the sounds of your breathing. I don't think I’ll ever forget those noises youmade.”

My entire body shivers at the memories he’s trying to jog, but I push them down. I push them where they can’t hurt me.

I silently curse him for doing this now, on a night I was supposed to be celebrating my sister. “What do you want?” I hate that my voice comes out as a whisper, but when I lock eyes with Vince and notice that he’s on the phone as well, he starts to circle his hand.

“It’s a burner, Nico, but try anything you can.”

Translation: Keep Ralph talking so Nico can try to get a location.

“I want you, sweetheart. Haven't you known that’s all I’ve wanted for years now? But you made me wait. You made me do this.”

“Do what? Shoot at me while I have lunch? Leave me all those pathetic notes and have other people do your dirty work for you?” I somehow find a little bit of fight, but I immediately regret my outburst. I know it’s only going to make him mad.

“I wouldn't have to do that if that guard dog of yours would go away. Or maybe I should take him out, too.”

“Don't you dare touch a hair on his head. I’m the one you want,” I remind him, ignoring the rush of panic at the thought of anything happening to Vince.

“Tell me, is he coming with you to your sister's event tonight? Or is one of his other goons tagging along?”

My stomach bottoms out, my ears start to ring, and I can't breathe. I look at Vince, and he starts to rub my shoulder, still on the phone with Nico, silently telling me he’s here for me.

“I’ll see you there, Bree. Unless, of course, you don't make it in time. I’d sure hate for you to miss all the fun we’ll have. It’s going to beexplosive.” And then he hangs up.

“No! Fuck! No, this isn't happening.” I all but drag Vince to the car. “We have to go.”

“Bree, angel, what’s going on?”

“He threatened Liv. He’s going after her. He’s going after my sister.”

“How can you be—”

I cut Vince off with a yell. “Because he knows about the event tonight, and he mentioned us not making it in time! Get the fucking keys and let’s go! I’m not letting him take anything else away from me!” Ralph has taken my safety, my sanity, and my life from me. I’ll be damned if he tries to take my family too.

“He threatened the event?”

“Yes! Now, let’s go!” I drag him some more, but he stays rooted to the ground.

“No.”

I release my hold on his hand and turn to face him. “What do you mean no?”

“If he’s threatening that bookstore with something, then the last place I want to take you is exactly where he wants you.”

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