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T alia woke up early and headed to her old apartment, ready to finish her move. She hadn’t unpacked anything just in case Zip wanted her to actually live somewhere else. She didn’t think he wanted that, but they hadn’t discussed where she would go once she felt better.

The apartment had been her slice of freedom. Moving here had meant something. Too bad her landlord’s son was a prick. There was no way she could stay, not after what he’d done.

After loading her last box, she went upstairs and took one last look around. She had a letter ready to stuff in the drop box at the front door of the restaurant and would shove her keys in there, too. No way would she ever come back here. Dave could just be mad once he learned she had moved out.

She was about to walk out the door when it swung open. Fear shot through her before she turned. Then she spun and saw her sister standing in the doorway. The fear turned to anger.

“What are you doing here?”

Cheryl didn’t move, instead she looked her up and down. “I finally figured out how to get rid of you.”

“You can’t get rid of me.”

“Too bad. I’ve already arranged it. I was just looking for the right time.”

Cheryl looked and sounded too confident. Something was going down, and Talia wanted no part of it.

“Just leave. I have friends who will be here soon.”

Cheryl threw her head back, laughter spilling out. “No, you don’t. You have no friends, and no one is coming to save you.”

Cheryl stepped closer, causing Talia’s throat to close with fear.

“Walk out and leave me alone. I’m warning you.” Though Talia’s words were fierce, her voice shook.

Her sister threw back her head and laughed more. “You are too funny.”

The door opened behind Cheryl and Talia watched in disbelief as two men stepped in. These guys were much bigger than her and even if she fought hard, she couldn’t overpower both of them. No question, her future with Zip was over.