A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 7

Frank took the gift box, and for a brief moment, it felt as if something had grazed his heart—so light and quick he could barely name the sensation.

It didn't hurt, exactly. Still, his breath caught in his chest.

The bow on the box was tied with meticulous care, every loop and tail perfectly in place.

It was obvious how much thought she'd poured into this gift—how long she must've spent preparing it.

And yet, he was nothing but a bastard, harboring selfish feelings he could never admit.

Before he could say anything, Elissa had already slipped into the entryway. She pulled on a pale beige wool coat and wrapped a scarf around her neck, hiding all but her striking, dark eyes behind its folds.

Then, she headed out the door.

Something about the way she walked seemed off.

Frank was just about to call after her when Marcia, beside him, sucked in a sharp breath through her teeth. "God, that hurts!"

He snapped back to the present, turning to help her sit down again. "Your knee acting up? Let me take you to the hospital."

"I don't want to go."

Marcia pressed her lips together, glancing pointedly at the box in his hands. "And you claim you're not falling for her. You're treating that present like it's made of gold."

He fell silent, frowning. "Marcia, I already owe her more than I can ever repay."

Her eyes widened, tears spilling freely down her cheeks. "And what about me, Frank? What am I to you? Are you just going to let her walk all over me and Hickey?"

"I told you, Elissa isn't that kind of person."

"Enough!" Marcia's voice shook, raw with emotion. "Can't you hear yourself? Every word out of your mouth is just you defending her!"

With that, Marcia stood, tears streaming, and pulled Hickey upstairs with her.

Frank stood there, stunned, then let out a weary sigh.

He didn't even know what he was thinking anymore.

"Marcia!" The accusation was so blatant it made Marcia grit her teeth in fury.

Unbothered, Elissa draped her cashmere cape over her shoulders and smiled. "I really don't have time for this. Frank's waiting for me."

Following her gaze through the floor-to-ceiling windows, Marcia saw Frank's car idling in the driveway.

The sight made her blood boil.

She'd agreed to let Frank marry that wretched woman only because she seemed meek and easy to control—now she'd turned into a rabbit with teeth, ready to bite at any moment.

Elissa slipped into the car and glanced at Frank. "I didn't keep you waiting, did I?"

"No, I just got here." He squeezed her hand gently, then glanced down at her skirt—a flash of smooth, pale skin catching his eye.

He frowned. "Aren't you cold, wearing so little?"

She just smiled, lips curving with mischief. "We'll either be in the car or at the old house. There's heating everywhere."