MARK
The ropes fell away from my wrists, leaving my skin raw and burning. My shoulder throbbed where she’d dug out the bullet, but I barely felt it. All I could think about was getting out—getting free.
Alice stood in front of me, watching with that maddening, unreadable smile. She was too calm. Too in control. I needed to change that.
I shifted my weight subtly, muscles tensing. She didn’t react. Maybe I could—
A gunshot exploded above my head. The wood paneling behind me splintered, raining down over my shoulders. My pulse thundered in my ears as my gaze snapped to hers.
"Don't," she warned softly, lowering the gun. "I’m not in the mood to chase you, Mark."
I glared at her, swallowing down the surge of frustration. "You can't keep me here forever."
Her lips curved in a slow, dange
