Hello Family

(TYLER)

Sasha laughs gruffly and then focuses on my face again. "Of course not. The bruising should be gone by the time of the wedding. If not, I suppose Mother has some make-up that will help hide them away." He frowns. "But that burst lip will be much harder to hide."

"Maybe you should just put a bag over my head and get it over with.

"No," he says with a serious face. "I reserve that treatment for executions."

"Good Lord!" I shiver, wondering what it is about me that attracted this vile monster.

"You're hungry?" he suddenly changes the subject as he turns to walk down the hall.

I hurry fast behind him. "Yes." My shoes muffle on the thick carpet beneath.

"I can tell. You look like you're starving." He mocks. "That's what happens when you don't eat."