Chapter 7 Playing Along, Plotting Revenge

• “Ric, I need you to hide!” I hiss, my voice barely above a whisper. His eyes flicker with reluctance, but he moves quickly, slipping into the hallway just as the doorbell rings again.
• I quickly adjust my robe, tying it tightly around my waist, smoothing my hair to look somewhat composed while trying to calm my racing heart. I can still feel the lingering heat of Ric’s touch on my skin, but now isn't the time to think about that.
• I open the door, and there stands my father, his face set in a stern expression. “Natalie,” he says, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. “Why have you been ignoring my calls?”