**GRACIE**
The door opened again maybe an hour later. I'd been working on the zip tie binding my wrists, trying to find any weakness, any give. My skin was raw and probably bleeding, but I didn't stop.
Dante walked in alone this time, carrying a bottle of water and what looked like a sandwich. He set them on a crate near me, just out of reach.
"You must be thirsty," he said conversationally. "Hungry."
I didn't answer. Didn't look at him.
"You know, I admire your spirit." He circled me slowly. "Most women would be crying by now. Begging. But not you."
"Go to hell."
He laughed. "There she is. That fire. I can see why Gabriel is so obsessed with you." He crouched down in front of me, forcing me to meet his eyes.
"But here's what you need to understand, bella. Your defiance? It's only
