Love in the shadow

, couldn't find me in the sea of people. I blended in with the crowd, my face hidden behind a mask of ano

had to keep putting distance between myself and Michael. I walked for what felt like hours, my legs ach

d me. I walked through streets and alleys, my eyes scanning the crowds for a glimpse of safety. I didn't k

ay there, my vision blurring and my mind spinning. I didn't know where I was, didn't k

und freedom. I closed my eyes, my body relaxing into the darkness. I didn't know what the future

I have been searching for you all night,

. "I'm not going back to that prison, to that hellhole you call a hom

into slits. "You're being ridiculous," he sneered. "

ne who's been holding me captive, who's been beating me, who's be

took a step closer to me. "You're coming wit

I said, my voice firm. "I'm staying here, in this shop, until I can

t back down. I knew I had to be strong, had to be brave. I

suddenly lunged at me, his hands grasping for my arms. I tri

you like it or not," he snarle

me away from the shop, away from the safety of the crowd

and menacing. "If you don't follow me quietly, I'll strip you nake

acing with panic. I knew I had to d

s wash over me. I had tried to escape, had tried to fight back, but he

e. Michael would just cover my mouth, would just drag me farther away from the cro

knew what Michael had in store for me. I knew I would be trapped, knew I would be at his

He pulled me close, his eyes gleaming with triumph. "You shoul

ew I was trapped, knew I was his prisoner once again. And so I went quietly