Page 41

He was a sinful temptation.

Why had Nimhe ever cursed me with him?

I threw myself onto the bed and cried bitterly.

What had been the point of those years of faithful worship? Had I absolved myself of my sins or just added new ones?

What was the point of being a good girl when I could be condemned by one man and sold off to another?

Flopping down onto my bed, I rolled on top of something small and crinkly.

Rubbing my eyes, I grabbed curiously at it.

A note.

Back soon. Love you.

Love me?

I crumpled the note up angrily.

Saul didn’t love me.

How could a freaking psychopath like him love anyone?

I went to the window and looked out. To my surprise, Saul’s big Jeep wasn’t there.

Then, my heart pounding with excitement, I realized.

He was gone.

I could get help.

This might be my last chance.

I raced out the door. It was another beautiful morning in Honeywood.

And who knew how long Saul would be gone for?

I didn’t even want to risk taking my car. What if he’d put a tracker on it? I wouldn’t put it past him.

So I ran. As fast as I could, all the way down the lane until I hit Honeywood Main Street.

The town was bustling in the usual happy, busy Sunday morning activities: families at the grocery store, the diner hopping, delicious smells of coffee and pastries wafting from the café.

“Help me!” I cried at the door of the coffee shop.

Everyone turned to stare at me as I burst in with my eyes wide, my long hair curly and wild.

“Can I use someone’s phone?” I begged.

Kind Mr. Martinez darted his eyes around.

“I-I don’t think—"

“Mr. Martinez, please!” I cried.

“The phones are not—not working,” he said.