“No. No. I won’t be silent any longer,” she shrieked. “It’s over between us. Absolutely finished.”
They were literally imploding in front of me. I once more eyed the doorway, but it was too far away. I knew without a doubt Michael would catch me if I made a break for it. He was pure muscle compared tome. There’s no way in hell I could outrun him. I had no idea why he wanted to hurt me, but I knew he did.
“You ruined everything,” he roared at her. “You couldn’t help being a slut, even when it came to Liam. You sicken me. Because of you, I had to kill my brother in arms. Because of you, we’ve probably losteverything.”
Angela covered her ears and screamed, “Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! It’s not my fault you’re a weak man. I can’t be blamed for you losing your mind. It’s not my fault you murdered three people. You’re a disgrace to the Marines.”
Shocked at her hysterical diatribe, I met Michael’s murderous gaze. I felt sick to my stomach staring at him. Now he definitely wasn’t gonna let me leave this house alive. I’d heard something I wasn’t supposed to hear, and now I was collateral damage.
Still, I attempted to bluster my way out. “I don’t know what she’s talking about, and I don’t even care. I want to leave. I… I have nothing to do with this. Your personal problems are none of my concern.”
“Nice try,” Michael muttered. “You’re not going anywhere.”
When Michael took a step toward me, Angela ran to get in front of me. To say I was surprised would have been the understatement of the year.
“Move,” he rumbled at her.
She shook her head. “No.”
He gritted his teeth. “Move, Angela.”
She said, “This has gone far enough.”
I could see her body shaking, which only confused me more. Why was she protecting me? She was probably the most selfish person I’d ever met.Why in God’s name would she get between me and her raging husband? Was it simply to spite him?
“This has to happen, Angela.” His voice was calmer now but still dripping malice. “If he didn’t know anything before, he does now. It’s him or us.”
“You don’t have to hurt me,” I said gruffly, knowing full well my words wouldn’t sway him. But I had to at least try. “I know how to keep a secret.”
Michael’s cold gaze flicked to mine. “Sorry. I can’t trust that.”
“You think Sheriff Callum sent me, but you’re wrong. I… I only came here because your wife had a headache. I didn’t come here to convince her to turn on you.”
“He’s telling the truth,” Angela said.
Narrowing his eyes, Michael hissed, “Bitch, thanks to you and your big mouth, he now knowseverything. Even if that was true, it’s too late. He knows too much now. I can’t haveanyloose ends.”
“Oh, really? What are you going to do, Michael? Kill me too becauseIknow everything?” she screeched. “You’re an animal. You’re out of control.”
“I’m gonna ask you one last time,dear,” he growled, “get out of the way.”
“I won’t.”
True to her word, Angela didn’t move, but she was no real protection either. Her husband could shove her out of the way as easily as a feather to get to me. My stomach sank and I tensed my muscles, prepared to fight. I was no match for Michael. Not even a little. However, I’d have to try. I wasn’t going to just sit still and let him murder me without trying to defend myself.
There was a flicker of movement behind Michael, near the doorway. When I realized it was Royceentering the room, I thought I had to be dreaming. He had his weapon drawn, and Michael didn’t yet know he was there. My heart banged my ribs as fear for myself became fear for Royce.
“Back away from them,” Royce commanded.
I had to give Michael credit—he barely flinched. He slowly swung around to face Royce. “Where the fuck did you come from?”
“Does it matter? I’m here now.”
Michael gave a twisted grin. “I didn’t think you had it in you, Sheriff. Look at you coming to save the day.”
Royce chuffed. “That’s the problem with an egomaniac like you, Michael. You underestimate everyone.”
I was relieved when I saw two of Royce’s deputies coming up behind him. Thank God he hadn’t come without backup. That knowledge allowed me to relax slightly. I wanted so horribly to go to Royce, but I didn’t dare walk past Michael.
