ch shot a bolt of fear through her being. Despite her assurance that she didn't want his help or 'sympathy', he continued to plague her. T

e her alone, but was too afraid of how Daniel might react, and she also didn't feel the

nerves. The situation had escalated so quickly, and she had no idea how to make it stop. She needed to think, to focus on something else, anything else, but the memories kept creeping back, like a dark cloud that refused to dissipate. She could

tself out, she'd been too busy to care, simply surviving on what was left in her pantry: cashews and muesli bars. At least, she thought as she walked into her house, the small consolation of a grocery ru

s her gaze landed on him. Daniel. He stood there, leaned casually against the kitchen island, a terrifying calmness radiating from him. In his hand was h

anic surged through her veins, and she could feel the heat rising in her face, a fl

est efforts to sound strong. She could feel her throat tightening, but she forced

he were savoring the moment, taking in the effect his presence had on her. Then, with a sigh, he glanced

she could hear the malice lurking underneath. "I've tried to be patient, but I'm afraid I've run o

, and her mind scrambled to keep up with the sudden

ce, sent a chill down her spine. The words he spoke hit her like a slap to the face. The last few days had been a blur of phone calls, legal threats,

h only deepened, and for a moment, she couldn't speak. Her mouth felt dry, as if it had been drained of any moisture. She tried to steady her shak

e asked, "But I thought

e knew it. Daniel's face twisted, a flicker of frustration

d her against the wall with a violent shove. The impact rattled her bones, and she gasped for air, disoriented, barely able to keep her footing. The grocery bags slipp

d enough to remind her of its sharpness. She could feel her pulse pounding in her ears, the adren

enacing tone. His voice dropped an octave, as if savoring the threat

every inch of her body screamed for her to do something-anything-to break free. But she was f

d of the rain outside, like distant thunder. For a brief, fleeting moment, she imagined herself back in the car, safe, driving awa

s so close now that she could feel the slight tremble of its edge against her skin. His breath was wa

, keep threatening, until he got what he wanted, and right now, she

orced herself to meet his eyes, to show some kind of defiance, but deep down, s

er voice came out in a thin, shaky wh

inst her throat, and she flinched, but she couldn't

voice low and dangerous, his eyes dark with something twisted a