Chapter 31 - Slow burn

Sydney

In the bathroom mirror, I glanced at myself. I'd showered and changed my clothes. I had stayed inside for as long as I could because I was frightened to go outside. I'd ran out of reasons, so if he'd given me another second to explain, I'd have told him I was still terrified - which could or might not have helped. What difference did it make? A knock jolted me out of my trance.

"Are you going to spend the night inside?" Through the heavy door, his voice came in.

That was a good idea, but I couldn't carry it out. If it had come to that, he would have ripped the door apart. I pulled my robe tighter about myself and pushed open the door. His fingers wrapped themselves around my arm without warning. He used it to pin me against the wall next to the door, vice-like. My body stiffened instantly, and I took a deep, mindful inhale. As he bent over me, h