Chapter 58

My hands clenched into fists, nails digging into my palms as I fought to suppress the surge of anger bubbling within me. I despised the way Clyde always acted as though he were the master of the universe, as though he had the right to dictate the lives of those around him with impunity.

I loathed him with every fiber of my being, despised the very sight of him and the arrogant smirk that seemed permanently etched onto his face. How dare he presume to think that I would bow to his every whim, just because he had taken me hostage in this godforsaken place?

"Then I'm not following your order," I declared, my voice trembling with barely-contained fury as I made to stand from my seat. But before I could rise, Clyde exerted pressure on my shoulders, forcing me back down into my place with a strength that belied his casual demeanor.

"I'm not done yet," he murmured, his tone dripping with malice as he leaned in close, his breath hot against my ear. And in that moment, as his words hung heavy i