Page 83 of Betrayed By Sin

I have no idea who I’m about to meet.

The paper in my pocket is worn, the edges curled from being folded and unfolded too many times. I pull it out again anyway, tracing the address with my finger, like somehow, I can prepare myself for whatever’s waiting.

Bria notices. She glances at me from the driver’s seat, her expression unreadable. “You sure about this?”

I swallow hard. “No.”

She hums, nodding as she makes a sharp turn. “Good. Would’ve been concerned if you were.”

I let out a breathy laugh, but it’s forced. My hands tighten into fists in my lap.

“Turn left up here.”

She follows my direction, and suddenly, everything feels too real.

The roads are narrower now, lined with towering trees, the sun peeking through the branches in streaks of gold. Houses are spread out, tucked behind long driveways, their mailboxes leaning slightly from age. It’s nothing like the city. Nothing like home.

But maybe that’s a good thing.

Maybe I need something that doesn’t feel like home.

Bria exhales through her nose. “You know, this could go really bad.”

“I know.”

“We could show up, and Margo could have no idea who you are.”

“I know.”

“Or she could be a total psycho.”

I glare at her. “Bria.”

She shrugs. “Just covering all the bases.”

I roll my eyes and point ahead. “There. That’s the turn.”

Bria slows as we approach a long dirt driveway, the sign at the entrance half-buried under overgrown grass.

Finley.

My stomach clenches.

Bria pulls in, the tires crunching over gravel. The house comes into view, a two-story cabin-style home, nestled between thick trees, a wraparound porch stretching across the front. It’s quiet. Too quiet.

She parks but keeps the engine running. “Okay, final chance to back out.”

I glance at her, my throat tight. “We just drove the entire day and threw our phones out the window. Where exactly am I supposed to back out to?”

She smirks. “Fair point.”

I reach for the door handle, hesitating. My pulse thrums, my chest tightening with what-ifs.

What if she doesn’t know me?

What if she slams the door in my face?

What if…