Chapter 2 - THE PRICE OF SILENCE Gabriel washed the blood from his hands.
Harper stood rigidly beside the vanity.
"You are Harper Queen," he said.
Her stomach tightened.
"How do you know my name?"
"My housekeeper investigates everyone who works here."
"You investigated me?"
"No."
He looked at her reflection.
"I investigated Derek."
The room seemed to shrink.
Gabriel knew.
Not everything.
But enough.
"You were a nursing student," he continued. "Your brother Noah lives in Dorchester. Four days ago, you left your apartment with one suitcase."
Harper's eyes filled with tears.
"I don't need rescuing."
"I didn't say you did."
"Then why are you asking?"
"Because people who don't need rescuing don't hide bruises in other people's bathrooms."
That broke something inside her.
She turned away.
"I fell."
Gabriel's jaw tightened.
"You're a terrible liar."
"And you're a criminal."
A faint smile touched his mouth.
"Fair enough."
For the first time, Harper looked directly at him.
"What do you want?"
"Nothing."
"Nobody gives anything for nothing."
Gabriel studied her.
"You're right."
He walked toward the door.
"You work here. You get paid. You eat. You sleep. Nobody touches you."
Harper whispered, "And if Derek finds me?"
Gabriel stopped.
His expression became colder.
"Then Derek has made the mistake of coming into my house."
The door closed.
Harper stood alone.
May you like
She didn't know whether to feel safer...
or more afraid.
Related Stories
