's vi

n bed, hiding from the world. But as I heard th

t to be a neighbor or maybe a delivery.

on his face. "I heard you called in sick," he s

anger, hurt, and betraya

t the door. But Augustus pushed h

he said, his voice low.

bling with rage. "How dare you s

ld my ground. "You have no right to be

ll came flooding back. I felt like I was staring into th

pouring out of me like venom.

Augustus's expression faltered, bu

a moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of r

said, his voice firm. "You're stil

e. Did he really think he could jus

elusional," I said, my voice dripping with

e been clear, but Augustus just smi

with condescension. "You're lost without me,

nd resentment. Did he rea

enomous. "I don't need you to save me.

I said, my voice firm. "Not

on his face. "I saved your life, Kelly," he

wash over me. Saved m

aved your life 9 years ago," he said, his voice low a

run down my spin

d, my voice firm. "You saved my life, yes,

my life, my loyalty, my e

yes," I said, "but not my

I stood firm, refusing to be bo

ielding, his eyes burning with an

ice low and menacing. "You belong to me. You o

Augustus's obsession was suffocating,

said, my voice firm. "I'm a person

smiled, a cold,

to my skin as he pulled me towards him. I felt a surge

ft me breathless. I tried to push him away

ed I was being kissed against my will. The thoug

from his grasp. "Don't ever touch me like that aga

was dark, intense, and it

determination as he leaned in close. "We'll see abou

lked away, leaving me shaken an

What did he mean by those words? Was he going to try to ma

ad just happened, I knew one thing for sur

number, feeling a sense of relief wash o

g on?" she asked, her v

t something," I said, my vo

id, without hesitation

of gratitude towards Jesse. She was

out everything that had happened with Augustus. The cheatin

own on the couch. I took a deep breath and be

see the surprise etched on her face. Her

ted on you?" she asked, he

oat. "Yes, and that's not all. He showe

incredulous. "Owns you?

words, his actions. Jesse listened intently, h

whistle. "Girl, I'm so sorry. You

g, and I felt a sense of