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51
BRYNN
Brynn ran down empty Main Street as fast as she could without slipping on the icy sidewalk. Everyone must be at the winter carnival. The nippy wind cut through her half-zipped coat. The sign for Green Park was surrounded by twinkling holiday lights. Music from the live band at the gazebo grew louder the closer she got. Hundreds of people congregated around the park designed to look like a winter wonderland for Hope’s annual winter fundraiser. Where is Aaron?
She searched the faces, moving slowly through the pathway, weaving between bodies. Laughter filled the air with the scent of hot chocolate, kettle corn, and spiced cider.
A flash up ahead drew her attention to the giant tree the town had decorated for the holidays. The same photographer who took her wedding photos aimed the camera at Aaron. He was surrounded by Leslie, his other staff, and several of the kids from Hope, Dani included. Leslie turned towards him, and Aaron leaned down so she could speak into his ear. A smile appeared on his face, but it didn’t reach his eyes.
Brynn stepped forward, only to have something hard press into her spine as a hand snaked around her arm, squeezing hard.
She sucked in a startled breath and turned. “Paul!”
His cold blue eyes narrowed on her. Stress lines marred the loose weathered skin around his face. His cheeks sagged, looking more like jowls. His grey hair stuck out of his wool hat at odd angles. He looked so much older than the last time she’d seen him—right before he’d kicked her prone body in the ribs.
“If you scream, I’ll pull this trigger. And then I start taking out these heathens one by one.”
Panic slashed through her. Brynn’s heart pounded. She cast one quick glance towards Aaron and then Dani by his side, giving him a hug. Aaron held her daughter like she’d always dreamed a father would hold her. And I pushed him away.
“Where is my son, Miriam?” Paul demanded, his hand squeezing the soft spot under her arm harder, making her wince.
“Dead.”
Paul spun her around. He moved to her right side, still clamping her arm with one hand and keeping the gun pointed at her spine with the other. “You think I don’t know you’ve allowed him to wear women’s clothing? You think I haven’t been watching you?”
He’d been watching her?
“Do you see what leaving the compound did? It corrupted my son. And you brought shame onto my household.”
Brynn stumbled forward as he forced her towards the park exit. Was this the last time she’d ever see Dani again? Or Aaron? He doesn’t even know how I feel. He thinks I hate him.
“You will pay for your deceit and treachery. For your disobedience.” Paul yanked her arm.
Brynn searched the crowd, everyone seemingly ignoring her as they wrangled small children, or eyed the tables with games and food.
Green stormy eyes caught hers. The biker with the scar.
Brynn mouthed the words, “Help me.”
The Pirate’s gaze cut to Paul, then he walked straight ahead, brushing against her.
Her stomach hardened to stone. He’s not going to rescue me. Tears burned her eyes. If she struggled, Paul would shoot. She couldn’t risk these people’s innocent lives. The man had been unhinged when she’d known him at the compound. Now that he’d found her . . . I’m going to die.
“You will go before the council and admit all you’ve done. Tell them you were possessed by a demon, then you will be punished accordingly. Then they will have to grant me my rightful place by their side once again.”
“You mean you got demoted when I escaped?” Brynn couldn’t hold back the mockery in her tone.
“You little whore.” Paul shoved her down an alley, headfirst into the brick building. Pain burst as the porous stone scratched the tender skin of her face. Her cheek burned.
Paul’s hand pressed her head against the hard brick, until her jaw ached. She bit back her whimper, knowing from experience he got off on her pain.
“You left and they accused me of not being able to control my household. Your parents were publicly shamed and stripped of everything. Two daughters who were too weak to withstand temptation. Two disgraces.”
“Don’t you dare talk about my sister like that. She was ten times the person you will ever be!” Brynn yelled, shoving against the wall with all her might.
“Be silent!” Paul spun her around, his fingers digging into her neck, choking her. She tugged his hands away, nails scraping his exposed hands, drawing blood.
He leaned in, an evil glint in his eyes and a violent smile on his mouth. “You have so much more fight in you this time. That’s gonna be real fun to break, just like I did with your sister.”
