Claude and I were transported in an extravagant car with the windows so dark, it didn't feel like daylight. I was sitting across from him. We were surrounded by other staff members. It felt surreal, like a dream. It didn't matter how hard I pinched myself, I never woke up. I was never delivered from this nightmare into the arms of the man I loved.
I didn't want to see Rowan again. My heart soured with betrayal and every memory caused an ache. I hated it. I hated having every tender moment sullied by a lie.
Claude didn't talk to me. Instead, he seemed to watch me with a mixture of curiosity and pleasure. I don't think my discomfort pleased him as much as hurting his brother did. I grit my teeth, wanting nothing more than to bite, hiss, and fight like an injured animal.
That's what it fe
