Ruby's POV
Even after Jake's fingers left my throat, I couldn’t breathe.
He didn’t need to keep choking me. He knew the damage was already done.
The ghost of his grip remained like a bruise under the skin, invisible to the eye,but heavy enough to weigh down every breath.
And yet, when he stepped back… he smiled.
Not out of forgiveness. Not out of mercy.
He was proud.
Pleased.
Like a predator licking blood from its teeth.
“I’m glad we understand each other now,” he said quietly, smoothing down the front of his shirt as if nothing had happened.
As if he hadn’t just crushed the last ounce of safety I’d been clinging to.
My legs trembled. My body screamed to collapse.
But I didn’t.
I couldn’t.
Because if I showed weakness now, he’d eat me alive.
Even after Jake left the room, I
