Cierra's POV
The lights burst on so suddenly that I thought my eyes might burn straight out of my skull. The room around me sharpened into shape... walls, shadows, a ceiling too high, a chandelier glowing like an interrogation lamp.
My heart crashed into my ribs.
“F–fuck… f**k… help.. help...”
A warm palm clamped gently over my mouth.
“Shh,” a low voice whispered. “You’re safe now.”
Safe.
That word didn’t match anything happening here.
When he moved his hand, I turned, and froze completely.
Dominic Vance.
Not just any man.
The man my mother was supposed to marry.
The man who would’ve become my stepfather.
The man staring at me like I was the center of his entire world.
My wrists ached from the rope as I struggled. Dominic stepped forward without hesitation, loosening the knot
