Another sound came. Low enough that it took a few times for me to realize it was someone knocking. I rolled to my feet and shuffled over to the bags against the wall. I’d been holding off picking through them, but I wouldn’t answer the door almost naked.
I selected a comfortable set of lounging pants. This time, there was a bag full of underwear. I grabbed the panties from the neat pile and then the bra from the compartment in the paper bag. I shucked off Kyan’s black sweater and dressed quickly, leaving the room and a slumbering Sinclair.
The knocking became louder, especially as soon as I stepped into the open space where the bedrooms were.
A phone ringing stopped me in the middle of the cross section. I followed it into Sinclair’s bedroom. His cell phone rested on the edge of the bed, and I picked it up.
Texts. Tons of them and missed calls, all spaced out within seconds. I swiped up, opening the home screen.
All of them were from Elias.
Another text came through.
Demi is there. Get rid of that bitch.
The knocking . . . was Demi? My pulse jumped. I could leave with her. Or I could have her call the cops. I’d turn myself in. They weren’t letting me leave, well, I would take the power away from them.
Another text.
Sinclair!
How did they know she was here? It hit me like a ton of bricks. An action plan.
The first part was the camera.
I navigated to the settings and disconnected it from the internet. Now they wouldn’t know what I was about to do.
I silenced Sinclair’s cell and ran toward the front door like my ass was on fire. I tried to keep my footsteps light, but my damn sandals kept slapping against the floor. I yanked open the door. Demi stood on the step, her fist raised, and her face flushed bright plum.
Her mouth pursed, and it took one sweep of her gaze to express her opinion.
“You’rewhat they traded me in for?” she scoffed. “Downgrade much?”
Her words hit while I was vulnerable. I straightened and narrowed my eyes. I was going to try this the nice way, but I wasn’t opposed to getting dirty.
“You can have them.” My voice was dull and harsh, unrecognizable to my ears.
She drew her shoulders up with a huff.
“Who the hell are you to permit me anything?” She raised an eyebrow. As tall as she tried to make herself, I was several inches taller. I didn’t bother straightening my slouch. I had no energy for it.
“Give me your car keys.” I softened my tone.
“What?” she huffed, hand on her chest like I’d insulted her entire lineage, while her other hand clamped over the purse dangling from the crook of her arm.
I reached for it, and her hand swung at me. I was too slow to move. Her palm smacked my face. Pain stung my cheek for a brief second. I met her wide gaze and let my fist fly. Blood burst under my knuckles, and she yelped, clutching her hand over her face.
I strong-armed the purse out of her grip and shoved away her swinging fist. As soon as I stuck my hand inside, I found the keys. I pulled out the jingling metal and tossed her purse to the side. She screeched and lunged for it.
“You fucking bitch!” She swept her purse up, dusting it off with frantic swipes.
“You’re making a fucking mistake,” she spat. “It won’t last.”
I know that.
“You’re just a warm body to those assholes. They don’t give a shit about anyone.”
I knew that, too. I headed for the driver’s side.
