lt a

gh my head. My eyes burn, every blink like needles stabbing into them. The air i

lears slowly. Bare stone walls. Patches of mildew. A sin

etal rattles, loud in the suffocating silence

sement. Shack

the stairs. Slow.

forcing myself to look composed e

r creak

steps

late room, but his cold expression fits perfectly. H

ing?" His voice is calm, almost amused, but the

is dry, my heart poundin

camera in your room," he continues, voice dripping with mockery

e. I refuse to look away. I refuse

"Listen carefully, Gracie. You're mine now. You will follow my rules. And if you ever try to r

e only act of defi

up. "This is a contract. You will sign it. It outlines your place here. No running. No arguin

my stomach twist, but I

et any ideas, there's a clause stating no inti

through the silence, sha

old smile. "Ah, yes. Y

me. The weight of the decision crushes me. I want to scream. Rip

ave no

ays l

certainty and resentment. Puffy eyes. Dark circles, barely concealed by t

y hosted by the man who ho

in. It's beautiful, expensive, and completely at odds with how I feel inside.

opens b

tu

that fits him like a second skin. His presence is as co

is neutral, but it carri

irror, focusing on my reflection bec

o that room, you will act like my mistress. You'll smile. You'll

at my lips. "Of co

from my voice.

. Irritation fla

ate. But in the end, I take

ll, its marble floors gleaming

ide, heads tur

nd Silver?" so

with him?" ano

omeone mutters. "He's rich eno

their gazes pressing dow

. I won't let them

greets people with polite nods, every movement calculated. To the

hem know

know who he

lled away by an acquaintance. He leans in. "I'll

into the crowd, my hear

s my c

My eyes scan for an exit. My palms are slick wit

ow where I

w I have t

n, the more I realiz

very entrance, their shar

then

eel

t of thei

!" someon

teps thunde

sprint, dodging startled guests and up

n't make

abs my arm. Yank

ing, and meet the h

e room. Every pair of

th

crowd, Raymo

ion is dark

stake, Gracie." His vo

ords tumble out bef

f god? You're a monster! A stupid Black

he air like a bomb

st a second, his e

er returns.