Criminal

Chapter 39

I could feel Kael's hand tight around my neck as I sat beside him at the table, trying to ignore the heat of his touch. My eyes scanned the room, searching for any signs of escape, but there was none. The door was guarded, and even if I managed to get past them, there was nowhere to run.

And then I heard it – my father's voice, talking to someone behind me. I felt a cold sweat break out across my skin as I realized that I was trapped, caught between two enemies.

Kael leaned in close to me, his lips brushing against my ear as he whispered, "Don't worry, Ava. Your father won't be bothering us tonight."

I wanted to believe him, to trust him, but something inside me rebelled. I couldn't give in to this – to him. But then his hand tightened around my neck, his grip sending a shiver down my s