MAYA
The echo of Andre's engine still rumbled in my ears long after his car vanished into the night. My hands shook as I smoothed down my dress, the silk suddenly feeling too tight, too exposing under the weight of his parting words.
Once you're mine, there's no walking away.
The threat slithered through my mind, as if he'd already collared me. He hadn't yelled or raised a hand; no, Andre was too controlled for that.
It was the quiet certainty in his eyes, the way he'd leaned in close, his breath warm against my skin, promising a cage disguised as luxury. I hated it. Hated how it made me feel small, cornered, like prey he'd decided to toy with before the kill.
My chest tightened with stress, breaths coming short and ragged. No more. I'd storm inside, find Papa in his study, and la
