MARIA'S POV
It had been hours of contemplating. I had no other option but to agree to willingly follow him if I wanted my mother to be safe.
I didn't want anything bad to happen to her or Connor. Arnold had clearly stated that harm could come to them if I didn't do exactly as he said.
The option I had to choose was now clear, no matter how difficult it was. Following him was like a step into uncertainty, but I was done thinking about it. I was going to give him the answer he so desperately sought.
Beads of sweat formed on my head as I swallowed. Tension rose within my body as I stared at him.
There was this twisted smile on his face as he clearly knew that I was going to agree to following him. I hated to give him that pleasure, but I just had to.
"So what do you say, my lady?" He sa
