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They can’t catch me. I can’t get in trouble.
Frank steps out in an undershirt and boxers, still half asleep. Confusion crosses his face. Then horror.
I want the floor to open and drop me right into hell.
He comes closer and flips on the living room light. I scream into Edwin’s hand, trying to jerk my body free, but his hold is so tight he could force me to do anything.
My breasts are still exposed.
His fingers are still lodged in my ass.
“Let her go, Crotavere,” Frank says, voice tight and controlled. He raises his hands as he approaches slowly. “You’re hurting her.”
Edwin answers by pushing his fingers deeper. I wince and twist, unable to bear the discomfort, physically or mentally.
Frank lunges.
Edwin tears his hand away from my ass only to lock me harder against him. He uncovers my mouth and slides his hand to my throat in warning. Frank stops in his tracks.
“Tell Reverend Bolton thank you for the hospitality,” Edwin whispers in my ear, “but you’ve found somewhere else to stay.”
My face burns. My thoughts scatter. Frank searches my expression for answers.
Edwin’s arm covers my chest, but his free hand grabs my ass through my shorts, prompting me.
I startle, unable to think clearly. “What do you mean?”
“You’re coming to stay with me, baby.”
My heart flutters dangerously, too eager for something I know I shouldn’t want. Being taken should not unravel me this way.
I’m helpless as I meet Frank’s eyes, and he shakes his head slowly in warning.
“Don’t do it, Zaiya. This man is bad news. He only wants to hurt you.”
“Don’t worry. She’ll still say her prayers,” Edwin says with a grin. “On her knees every night while she looks up at me.”
“Edwin!” Frank shouts as Edwin drags me backwards to the door.
Evelyn appears from the bedroom, robe clenched tight around her, fear etched into her face as she rushes to Frank.
“What’s going on?”
“I’m okay,” I try to assure her. “Please don’t worry.”
The look on Evelyn’s face twists my heart. Like she knows she can’t save me. Like she’s losing a child.
She darts towards me, hands reaching out. Frank grabs her waist to hold her back just as Edwin scoops me into his arms.
My mind wars with my body. Part of me wants to run, to defy the control Edwin has over me. Another part wants to know exactly what happens when he gets his way, because that control has me dripping.
I can’t say I don’t want to go with him. I just hate leaving the Boltons this way.
Outside, the night air is damp and cool against my skin. Edwin takes me down the front steps, knocking into the cherub statue, which topples onto the cement and breaks.
He takes me to his waiting car and shuts me inside.
Calista runs out to join Frank and Evelyn in the doorway, just in time to watch me leave.
