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That’s when I realize just how much trouble I’m in. Where my heart is fluttering like a caged bird’s, Renzo’s is steady.
Not even killing a man can get his heart rate up.
Chapter 17
Renzo
As I rise to my feet, I pull Skylar up until she’s standing on shaky legs.
I let go of her and gesture to her father as I order, “Untie him.”
Carlo comes closer, and pulling a pocket knife out, he flips it open and crouches behind Harlan, cutting the cable ties.
When Harlan climbs to his feet, rubbing his swollen wrists, I say, “You have five minutes to say goodbye to your daughter.”
“What?” he gasps, his eyes flicking between me and Skylar. “Why? What are you going to do?”
Not answering the man, I cross my arms over my chest and mutter, “Your five minutes has already started.”
With panic blooming over his face, he grabs Skylar to him and holds her tightly.
“No matter what happens, I love you, sweetheart.”
She begins to cry harder and clings to her father.
I didn’t get to say goodbye. Christ. I’d give everything I have to hug Giulio one last time. To tell him I love him.
My grief spirals until the deadly rage that was soothed by killing the doctor returns with a vengeance.
“D-Daddy,” she sobs. “I love y-you.”
“I’m so sorry for this mess I’ve caused,” he whispers to her. “I just wanted to save you. Please forgive me.”
When she nods, my blood runs cold and I snap, “Time’s up.”
My eyes flick to where Carlo and Emilio are standing, and they jump into action, pulling Harlan and Skylar apart.
“You will be dropped off at hour house, Harlan. If you call the police, Skylar dies. If you try to help her in any way, she dies. You die. Your fucking housekeeper dies. Understand?”
He nods frantically. “What are you going to do with my daughter?”
The corner of my mouth lifts. “I’m taking Skylar to her new home, where she’ll serve me on her hands and knees.”
His features tighten, and I drink in his distress like the sweet nectar it is.
I lift my hand and wrap my fingers around the back of Sylar’s neck, tugging her to my side. “If she’s a good servant, I might give her visitation rights every once in a while.”
“Please. Don’t do this,” Harlan begs.
Letting out a sigh, I mutter, “Christ, I’m getting tired of hearing those words. Say them again, and I’ll kill you for annoying me.”
Skylar surprises me by murmuring, “It’s okay, Daddy. Go home.”
I tilt my head as I stare at Harlan, taking in every second of his pain. “I won’t repeat myself,” I warn him.
“Go, Dad! Please,” Skylar begs him. “Just go.”
“Carlo, make sure Mr. Davies takes his phone and wallet,” I order as I let go of Skylar. Turning around, I walk to the doorway. “You better follow me,topolina.”
