Naomi POV
I have done it.
I am successful.
My resolve did not break. My mind did not break.
I allowed him to touch me for a week – just so I could beg him to let me go outside. Kaelen. My husband. The don. The man who holds my leash.
Every night, I swallowed my pride. Every night, I let him hold me, kiss me, pretend we were normal. And every morning, I whispered, "Please. Just for an hour. I need air. I need sunlight."
He finally said yes this morning.
I am almost sick to my stomach at the thought of asking a man for permission before I take a step. But I did it. I survived it.
Now I stand on the front steps of the mansion. The sun is warm on my face. The garden is green. The oak tree stands tall.
I take a deep breath. The air smells like grass and freedom.
Mary appears at the do
