r mind, leaving her with a tingling sensation down her spine. She had anticipated control and resistance, but the sheer possessiveness in his voice made her stomach turn. A sleek black car pul

ou." Selene's eyes narrow

t. Selene looked out the window, her fists tensed. The ease with which her life had altered was disturbing. This had been her world-her independence, her space-not quite a week ago. She felt

ork were still present. But she knew as soon as she entered her studio. She had lost something. Her mothers crucifix.The one she concealed. The one that held her most private me

ed the door. She insisted, "Where is it?" Damien didn't even glance up. "Be specific." Selene's nails pressed into her palms. "My crucifix. It is missing." Then he looked at her at last. His expression was

o lecture me about rights, Selene. You signed them away." Her heart tightened. She refused to be his possessions any more. She cant bare it. She took

like this?" she said in a whisper. "Do you enjoy causing people harm?" He cocked his head, seemingly taking in what she had said. Then he grinned, which shocked her. "Are you interested in learning?" She gasped. He said it in a way

t she would always bend to his will. And she snapped. The sharp sound of the slap cracked through the room. Her palm stung, but not as much as the shock that flickered across Damien's face. It was only for a second-so brief it almo

" His voice was laced with laughter as he whispered. Selene's breath caught, but she didn't back down. With a harsh voice, she retorted, "I know enough. Enough to know I'm not afraid of you." Something feral shone in his eyes. Anger was b

ed freedom and space-things Damien had taken from her the moment she signed that damn contract. Nathaniel wasn't outside, and no guards stopped her; she was finally alone, and she wasn'

e. After that, though, she knew exactly where she had to go. Ava's flat was on the other side of the city, snuggled inside a charming brick townhouse with warm yellow lights beaming through the windows. Before bursting inside, Selene hardly wait

hand, squeezing gently. "Hey... what happened?" Selene swallowed, her throat tight. And then, finally-finally-she let it out. "It's worse than I thought, Ava," she whispered. "This marriage... it's not just a contract. Dami

and Damien-his presence, his power. 'I don't know' Ava's eyes flashed with rage. 'This isn't right, Selene. There has to be a way out' Selene laughed bitterly.

uld live long enough to comp