I search his face for any trace of the man I thought I knew, but there's nothing familiar in those arctic eyes.
Only hunger.
The thrill of the hunt.
I scrabble at his wrist.
“But that’s not true!”
My nails leave red crescents on his skin. He doesn’t even flinch.
“I really did believe we were meant to be! I trusted your promises. My intentions were good!”
A Cheshire cat grin splits his face. “But they don’t know that.”
His fingers tighten, cutting off my breath.
Spots dance before my eyes.
“And when it comes to immigration, the American citizen has all the power. And you know what I’ve heard happens in immigration prisons, Alina. Especially to young children nearing their teenage years.”
Yara. The thought of my daughter in a place like that—no. I won’t let him take her. I’d kill us both first.
I sag against him, playing the obedient fiancée.
As his grip loosens, I stomp on his instep and elbow him in the solar plexus.
He grunts, stumbling back.
I bolt for the door, my heart in my throat.
If I could just make it outside, get help—but then, he's right. Where would I go? Immigration will take his side and deport me. Us. Maybe even send us to prison.
I can't put Yara through that. After everything she's been through already…
A bruising grip closes around my upper arm, yanking me off my feet.
I crash to the marble floor, pain exploding through my knee and hip.
Gerald looms over me, his eyes glacial, his mouth twisted in a snarl.
“You stupid bitch. I always keep my promises, and if you don’t do exactly as I say, immigration will be here so fast to haul your ass off to prison you won’t know which way is up.”
His boot connects with my ribs, stealing my breath.
“They might even leave your precious daughter with me. For safekeeping.”
Icy terror floods my veins.
There is no escape.
I'm well and truly trapped, just like he planned.
Gerald has won a game that I didn't even know we were playing.
I struggle to my feet, clutching my bruised side. Every breath sends a stab of pain through my chest.
Gerald watches me with those dead, predatory eyes.