Chapter 3

The noises upstairs lasted ten more minutes.

I tried to run to the window to call for help.

Chloe grabbed my hair and yanked me back.

A whole clump tore from my scalp.

Tears flooded my eyes.

I clawed at her face.

Chloe shrieked and dug her nails into my cheek, drawing blood.

Marcus rushed over.

He pinned my shoulders and threw me onto the sofa.

Donna stood up slowly. Almost lazily. From her wine.

She lit another cigarette. Took her time.

Then pressed the burning tip into my arm.

The skin sizzled.

"You little bitch — want to hit my niece?"

"I'll teach you!"

She ground the cigarette into my flesh.

"How dare you hit her?!"

I curled up in the corner of the sofa, protecting my head.

Then the sounds upstairs changed.

A dull thud.

Like a skull hitting a wall.

A few weak, spasmodic noises.

Then silence.

Absolute silence.

That kind of quiet was worse than any scream.

Chloe smoothed her dress.

A smug smile spread across her face.

"Well. That's quiet."

"Guess she finally gave in."

"I told you. She's just like the rest of them."

"Yara, you should be thanking me. Don't forget who set it up."

Donna set her wine glass down on the coffee table.

She lifted her espresso cup instead. Took a slow sip.

"These young girls. All 'no, no, no' until they get a real man."

"Bash has the stamina."

"Not everyone can tame a wild one like that."

I stared at the closed door upstairs.

My nails dug bloody crescents into my palms.

I had seen Sophie walk out of the estate gates with my own eyes.

But what if she had come back?

Marcus checked his watch.

He straightened his tie and allowed himself a satisfied smile.

"Alright, time's up. Bash is probably done."

"I'll go check on him. Bring our guest of honor down for a toast."

"Once this deal goes through, the harbor construction bid is ours."

"After that, the Castello name walks tall in Ashford Bay."

He climbed the stairs.

Each footstep echoed through the foyer.

Each one landed somewhere inside my chest.

He stopped in front of the dark wood door and reached for the handle.

*Click.*