Page 271 of Knot What I Expected

Every dollar I sent him because I thought I was buying another month of safety for my son.

I wasn’t paying Nando to protect us. I was paying him not to betray us. And apparently my money stopped being enough.

“Please.”

I hate the word the second it leaves me.

But for Matteo?

I’ll beg.

I’ll crawl.

I’ll fucking bleed.

Anything.

“Ethan, I’ll do what you want. Just please don't hurt him.”

“I know you will, bitch. Now, listen carefully. Meet me at the end of the western trail.”

My mind races.

Western trail.

Mountain.

“Leave your freak fireman behind.”

My heart slams against my ribs.

Rowan.

Ethan knows about Rowan.

Oh, God. He’s been watching us.

“Come alone. Or the boy dies. Do you hear me?”

My mouth is so dry I can barely speak.

“Y-yes.”

“Say it.”

“I hear you.”

“Alone, Gabriella.”

“I’ll come alone. Just don't hurt him!”

“That’s up to you.”

“No, wait—Ethan!”

The line goes dead. I stare at the receiver.

“Ethan?”