Page 16 of Scarred Heir

“He’s going to get in.” Chance tugged me toward the balcony. “We have to go now.”

“Go where?” I followed him. “What do we do once we get out of here?”

“I don’t know, but we can’t stay and find out what will happen if we don’t get out of here right now.”

“Once I get in there, you are a dead man,” the guy yelled. “Mr. Bello is tired of your games. There is no one to protect you.”

Yes, there is.

“Come on.” Chance opened the door that led to the narrow stairs of the fire escape and carefully maneuvered his way down. “We’re only on the third floor, we’ll be fine.”

My heart raced as I shimmied down the treacherous stairs, which was covered with a coating of ice from the sleet storm that fell earlier that day. I didn’t have a jacket or my bag, but those things didn’t seem that important, considering what would happen to us if we didn’t hurry up.

Chance was a few feet ahead of me. I tried to keep up, but my foot slipped out from beneath me. I caught the frigid railing as the wind whirled through my hair and steadied myself before taking another step.

“You can do it.” Chance offered me his hand. “Just keep going.”

I took my brother’s help as we both descended down the stairs to the street. Once we were on the pavement, I breathed a quick sigh of relief. At least I didn’t break my neck.

“Let’s go.” Chance pulled me down the street.

“Wait.” I took my phone from my pocket and searched for a location. “I have an idea.”

“What is it?” He glanced around. “We have to keep moving.”

“We have to get here.” I held up my phone.

“Franchi’s Bistro?” The skin between his eyes crinkled. “Not that we could even afford to eat there, but now is not the time to be craving Italian food.”

“Trust me.” I grabbed his hand. “Do you have money for the subway?”

“I have a few dollars.”

“Good.” We ran toward the corner of the street. “If we can get there, I can get help.”

I think…

Twenty minutes later,we stood at the hostess desk in a dimly lit, upscale restaurant, facing scrutinizing glances from well-dressed men and women who knew we had no business being in their presence.

“You thought it was a solid idea to bring us to the one place Bello is sure to find us?” Chance asked. “This is practically a private club for men like him.”

“I’m banking on that.”

“Are you crazy?”

“Can I help you?” The beautiful brunette woman in a stunning but revealing red dress looked me over, not hiding her judgments against my faded jeans and long-sleeved black shirt.

“I’m meeting Milo Accetti here.” I tried to look into the restaurant to see if I could spot him. “He’s expecting me.”

“He’s expecting you?” She pressed her full, red lips together. “Where? In your dreams?”

“He told me to meet him here,” I said. “I left my phonein my car or I would text him.” I stared past her shoulder, frantically searching for him. “I’m already late, and I don’t want to see him in a bad mood. Do you?”

“Hmm…” She glanced down at my worn running shoes. “Maybe you should leave.”

“What are you going to do?” I asked. “Call the cops?” I motioned toward the room full of diners. “Somehow, I don’t think your clientele will appreciate that.”

“I could have security remove you.”