ONLY LIFELINE
Mathilda’s POV
The phone continues to vibrate against the weathered wood of the porch, buzz that feels like it’s drilling directly into my skull. Every nerve in my body is screaming. I stare at the device, hoping for something to happen, maybe change my mind, help me make a decision, yet I cannot look away. My mind is a chaotic battlefield, torn between the strange, misplaced loyalty I feel toward Samson and the desperate need to survive.
What finally breaks me, what shatters my hesitation and forces my hand is a notification that flashes across the screen. I shouldn't look. I know I shouldn't. But my eyes betray me, swiping down the notification bar with a trembling finger.
The message is from Samuel.
“I would love some alone time with the b***h and you need the rest, s
