Chapter 10:Painted Red

I spent the next few hours planning. There had to be something — anything — in this room I could use.

I searched every drawer, under the bed, the bathroom. Found a shattered piece of ceramic behind the toilet.

Perfect.

When he returned, the air changed. I hid the shard beneath the pillow.

"You missed me?" he teased, setting down a bag.

I didn't speak.

He sat beside me and opened the bag. Inside — a necklace. Delicate, silver. The charm was a tiny dagger.

"I thought it suited you."

I stared.

"You want me to wear this?" I asked.

"Yes. Because you belong to me."

I took it. My fingers brushed his. The moment he looked away, I grabbed the shard and slashed—

Blood spurted.

He grinned. "There she is."

His hand shot out and gripped my throat, pushing me back.

"You think pain scares me?" he hissed, blood dripping down his arm. "I like it."

I clawed at his hand. He loosened it.

"I'm not letting you go," he whispered, brushing his lips against mine.

"You'll kill me," I whispered.

"No, darling," he said. "I'll keep you just barely breathing."

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