air at the side of the table. He looked

front of her. The rich, heavy scent of garlic butter escargot and thick

wine glass, took a slow sip of the dark red liquid, and watched her. H

ffocating. She gripped the handle of her silver fork un

He set it down on the tabl

looked up, her eyes wide, me

to please me?" Julian as

I'm sorry," she whispered. "I really

e casting a long shadow over the table. He walked slowly

ir, leaning over her. His presence was a ph

oon. He dipped it into the bowl, scooping up a thick portion

her nose. Chloe turned her face away

er jaw, his fingers digging into her skin

t her temple. "Or tomorrow morning, the funds i

g in a facility, dependent on that money to survive. Chloe's

opened her mouth. She t

mmediately. She slapped her hand over her mouth, tears spilling down he

walked back to his seat and

the soup, brought it to her mouth, and swallowed. Tears dripped o

nd his mouth slowly smoothed out. A dark, twisted sat

d the spoon. It clattered against the bowl. She clamped both hands ove

he toilet and vomited. Everything s

later. He stood in the doorway, his bro

ouched beside her. He held the glass out. "What is wrong with

d spit. She leaned her head back against the cool tile wall. "I

ve her. He reached into his pocket and p

her. She lunged forward and grabbed his wrist. "No. Please.

was freezing cold and trembling violently. He turned his hand ov

and shoved it back into his pocket. He bent down, slid one arm under

the bedroom. He laid her on the mattre

water turn on in the sink. She closed her eyes, the darkness of