THE PRICE OF FREEDOM
I moved fast.
My hands trembled as I shoved clothes into a small bag, barely thinking, barely breathing. James was letting me go.
It felt like a trick. A cruel, calculated move.
But I didn’t care.
If he wanted to play games, I’d play right back.
I was getting out of here.
Footsteps sounded behind me just as I zipped the bag shut. I turned, my pulse hammering against my ribs. James stood in the doorway, arms crossed, watching me with a calmness that sent warning bells ringing in my head.
I lifted my chin. "I’m ready."
His lips curled slightly, though there was no real amusement in his eyes. Only something unreadable.
"Are you?" he asked.
I clenched the strap of my bag. "You said I could leave."
"I did."
He stepped aside, gesturing toward the stairs. "Go, th
