Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1147

Billy’s vision went dark for a second. His expression grew colder, and when he spoke, his voice was ice. “You have three seconds to get over here. Say one more word and I’ll make sure you can’t speak again.”

Sarah felt trapped. With the way he was looking at her, did she really have a choice? She hadn’t seen him in a while, but somehow her brother was even scarier than she remembered.

Still, deep down, she knew if she tried to escape tonight, she’d be digging her own grave. If she disappeared, by this time next year, the weeds on her tombstone would be as tall as she was.

She thought about playing the pity card, hoping to tug at whatever thread of sibling affection might be left. Maybe if she acted pathetic enough, he’d go easy on her. But Billy was furious, and nothing she did would soften him now.

They stared each other down for a long moment. The tension in the room kept rising, pressing in on her from all sides, until Sarah finally caved. She walked back to him, shoulders hunched, every step heavy with dread.

Whatever. If he wanted to hit her, let him. If he went too far, their parents would definitely come after him for it. Who knew? Maybe she’d end up with the upper hand.

That thought gave her a tiny bit of courage. But when she stopped in front of her brother, one look at his stone-cold face made her lose it all again. She stuck her hands out, trying to look as pitiful as possible. “Billy… can you just hit my hands? Please don't mess up my legs. They’re way too nice. Wouldn’t that be a shame?”

Billy shot her a glare. “You think you get to make the rules now? You really believe I won’t do it?”

He raised the broom in his hand like he was about to swing.

Sarah flinched but didn’t move away. She knew, all too well, that he wasn’t bluffing. When they were kids, their parents were always working, so Billy was the one who watched over her. She’d been a little terror, always causing trouble, and every time, he’d smack her palms as punishment. That was just how things were between them.

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