Pains

Chapter 23

James pulled Lily's trembling body flush against his, feeling her shuddering breaths wracking her slight frame. His wife - his entire world - was shattering in his arms. All because of that unhinged monster Chloe and her latest twisted torment.

White-hot rage surged through James's veins at the thought of what fresh hell Chloe had unleashed on them now. Threatening Lily's poor dad who was still so fragile after his heart attack...it was a new low, even for that depraved psychopath's standards. Using an innocent man's health to manipulate and torment them?

James's jaw muscles ticked as he clenched his teeth hard enough to grind them. He could only imagine the overwhelming panic and fear gripping Lily at the thought of her beloved father being caught in the crosshairs of Chloe's warped delusions.

Great, wracking sobs tore from Lily as she clung to him desperately. The guttural sounds of his brave, resilient wife completely breaking down with hopeless anguish simultaneously fi