Charles finally wrapped up w

ey's situation that afternoon. After George

les had already arrived

the latter bowed slightly

y the door, tightening her grip around the utensil in her hand. Her palms were swea

door opened from the outsi

de the door, hands trembling as she point

eck-artery and all-but well, the h

ed at the door instantly

ut of here alive!" Ashley yelled, pretending like she mi

ated, looking re

les said cold

dn't dare budge, eyes stil

tention was on the woman before him. It should've been just another day,

few uncertain glances before

led his head toward Ashley, eyes dark and unreadable, s

tion. Even though her knees felt weak from fear, she forced herself to appear tough, blurting out, "If yo

startled Ashley-she gasped, eyes wide. That fork in her hand almost jabbed into his

?" His voice was calm, almost bored. He stepped closer,

ooking down at the top of her head, his voice lowered with subtle a

came out weak and panicked. "You better let me go right now or you'll

r own idiotic mix-up. Ugh! She wasn't trying

ight face. "Look, this knife doesn't care who it s

In one swift move, Charles grabbed her wrist, easily

at-boom-he had her. For real? That fast? C

ing to save face. "But if you keep me locked up h

harles narrowed his eyes, grip t

u right now

and grabbed a small fruit knife from the table, swapping it wi

ely baffled. "What is

r hand, now holding the knife, and p

One good push-