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Rita’s mouth fell open. “Take that back.”
“No.”
Ariana got between them. “Time out!”
“Would you stop?” Rita shook her head. “This is between my sister and me.”
“I can see both sides,” Ari said. “Rita, you’re scared about what could happen to Bella because your dad and Neil are the hunt. You don’t want her to get hurt. Right?”
“Obviously.”
Ariana turned to Bella. “And you only want to be treated with the respect you deserve and have always lacked. Right?”
“Yes.”
“I do respect her!” Rita put her hands on her hips. “But I also need to protect her. Not that she’ll let me.”
“Do you want to be protected?” Ari asked Bella.
“Not like she’s trying to do. I will not be controlled again! Like I said, I’m done. I’m not going to put up with it, no matter who’s trying to force my hand.”
Rita’s expression deflated. “You really think that’s what I’m trying to do?”
“That’s exactly what youaredoing!”
Ariana rubbed her temples, where a headache was starting to form. “I have a proposition.”
“What?” The sisters spoke in unison.
“Since emotions are running so high at the moment, how about we call a time out? Let’s just focus on getting things ready for the party. We’ll agree to disagree for the time being, then come back together after the festivities. That’ll give everyone plenty of time to think.”
Bella frowned. “Only if I can stay here.”
“Not a chance.” Rita crossed her arms.
“You don’t get to make that decision for me.”
“I thought you wanted my help.”
“Starting over, not giving up.”
“Time out!” Ariana waved her hands. “We clearly need a break.”
Rita threw her an exasperated look. “You think space is going to resolve this?” She turned to her sister. “Father, possibly along with Neil, is going to come after you at some point. Don’t let your guard down. I shouldn’t have to tell you how determined those men are to keep what they think belongs to them.”
Bella narrowed her eyes. “They’ll be less likely to find me here.”
“Yeah, they’d never think to look for you at a party the entire neighborhood is attending!”
“They’ll be too afraid to come inside. They think everyone who participates in Halloween is a devil worshiper.”
“And what do you think they’ll do to you if that’s where they find you, and they manage to take you away?”
Color drained from Bella’s face, but she quickly recovered. “I won’t let them take me.”
“You think it’ll be that easy?”
Ariana waved her hands again. “Time to get downstairs and get to work. The decorations aren’t going to display themselves. Who wants to help with the escape room?”
