Josie
I heard it—the faint crunch of footsteps behind me.
When I turned, my stomach lurched. Michelle's father stood there, his eyes hard, his lips twisted into a cruel sneer that made my blood run cold.
"What are you doing here?" I demanded, my voice shaking though I tried to keep it steady.
His response was a sharp, mocking laugh. "I don't have time for your little questions, girl. All I need is for you to pay for hurting my daughter."
I stumbled a step back, my chest tightening. "What are you talking about? I didn't—"
"Shut your mouth!" he snapped, his tone laced with venom. "You ruined her. And now, you'll pay the price."
My instinct screamed at me to run, so I tried to shout for help, but before the sound could even rip fully from my throat, he lunged forward. His hand clamped over my mouth, smothering the cry, while his weight crashed into me with brutal force.
