Marry Screw Kill(58)

“Oh, there you are. As beautiful as the first day I saw you.” James brings his eyes up to mine. “Have you ever seen anyone lovelier than her, Sin?”

“What do you want, James?” I give him no room to play.

“Harlow, of course.” He begins to approach us and I stand in front of Harlow again. Like hell is he going to take her from here. It’s her day of freedom. “There’s a pawnshop owner who is awaiting the return of his money. You see, all I have to do is call the police and list the bracelet as stolen. Then, the bracelet is confiscated as evidence, and Harlow is branded a criminal.”

How does he know all of this? Does he f*cking own everyone in this damn town?

“Bullshit.” I can’t hold back any longer. Harlow’s hands tighten their grip on the back of my jacket. “What you’ve done to Harlow these last four months is criminal. I will go to the police and tell them everything. You’ve made her your financial hostage.”

“Yeah, I don’t think you will do that, Sin. What will you tell them? Let me give you the Chief of Police’s name. He knows me well. I saved the life of his wife when she had a heart transplant two years ago.” James sticks both of his hands in his pockets and rocks on his feet in a display of supreme confidence. The *.

“He has no idea who you really are, James. I don’t know how you’ve fooled everyone, but I say no more.” I finish the last of my words through gritted teeth.

“Your youthful confidence and bravado is rather impressive. I quite admire you standing up for someone like Harlow.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” I ask in disbelief. He’s not worthy of the air she breathes, so how can he say that about Harlow?

“Come on. She’s the daughter of the town tramp. You’re going to throw away everything for her?”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“I can make one quick call and end your dreams of ever becoming a doctor. I have connections in New York City who owe me and would be happy to have their debt finally paid off.” James inches closer to Harlow and me. I want to shield her completely, but she steps out from my side.

“I don’t believe any of your bullshit. You’re just a desperate sick f*ck who will say anything to get Harlow back. I’ll do whatever I have to so that never happens.”

“You’re willing to give up medical school and see Harlow put behind bars for stealing? Nice.” James reaches out to touch Harlow’s arm and I swat it away.

“Fucking don’t touch her,” I hiss. This time, I move to shield her completely. “You can’t make her go with you. This is a free country and she has a free will to choose. And you lost.”

“Have I?” James mocks me with a crazed look in his eyes. “Harlow, are you willing to let his life forever be ruined because of you? I don’t want to make the call to the police or my friend in New York, but I will if you don’t leave with me now. Come, Harlow.” James extends his hand again and before I can shove it away or punch him in the face, Harlow places her hand in his. My world turns red with rage.

“Sin, I can’t let you. I just can’t.” I look down at the sweet, beautiful woman who would go back with this monster to protect me. A flash of anger courses through my veins. I can’t let this happen.

“No way. I don’t care. We will figure this out. He can’t do anything to us. These are just empty threats.”

“You willing to bet on that?” James glances between Harlow and me with a knowing look in his eyes, and I wonder if he could really do something like this to his own nephew. I am beginning to think he might. He is the sun in his own universe. Everyone and everything revolves around him.

I die a little inside when Harlow walks closer to James and stands by him. She glances back at me with tears falling across her soft cheeks. From what I know of her, she would never want to come between me and my dreams. Her surrender shows that she doesn’t have a selfish bone in her delicate body.

“Let me go with him for now, Sin. But I will never be with him again. I’ll figure it out. Somehow, some way. You’ve shown me what I have forgotten since my mother died. I matter. The thought of you losing your dreams makes me physically ill. Trust me. I promise, I’ll be all right.” Her words pierce my heart. I will not stop until I know she is free from him. I have one more trump card—Nina.

“You realize your own mother wants me to get Harlow away from you? She told me about your past. Well, it’s still here in your present. You need help, not Harlow. You’re sick.” I do want to add evil, but I am holding out hope I can talk some sense into this crazy man. It would be a first.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. My mother is referring to a couple school crushes I had years ago. Puppy love, they call it. Look where I am today—a renowned heart specialist, respected around the world. How could I rise to the top and be ‘sick,’ as you call me?” He laughs in a menacing way. “Harlow loves me. She’s just confused and has had so much to process over the last few months, then you pop into town and fill her with lies.”

He looks down at Harlow like she is a small child needing him for guidance. If she goes back with him and stays, I know a part of her will die. She will become numb again.

“Me?” I say, shocked he could blame me for helping her see the reality she lives in.