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I text my dad.
Daddy—I’m safe. With Samuel. Will explain later, but I don’t want you to worry.
Then I flip the phone off before anyone can track me.
CHAPTER
FIVE
SAMUEL
Sophie threatens to stab me with a fork.
“Comforting,” I mutter.
“You broke your promise.”
“I said I wouldn’t tie you again.”
“Exactly.”
“Didn’t use rope.”
Her mouth falls open. “That is a technicality, Samuel.”
“Yes.”
I check the cuff once more, ensuring I can slide two fingers beneath it. She has enough slack to sleep comfortably, but not enough to reach the release.
“I hate you.”
“No, you don’t.”
The words escape before I can stop them.
Her eyes snap to mine. Heat creeps up her cheeks. I turn away before I make the mistake of wondering what that blush means.
The storm has returned. Wind rattles the windows while freezing rain strikes the roof. I add another log to the bedroom fire and settle into the chair beside it.
Behind me, Sophie shifts beneath the blankets. A minute passes. Then another.
“I’m cold.”
“The blanket will help.”
“It isn’t helping.”
“It’s wool.”
“Congratulations to the blanket.”
I close my eyes. Sophie rustles around again, apparently attempting to wrap herself in all three blankets while attached to the headboard.
Her teeth chatter. I look at her.
Dark hair spills across my pillow. Only her face and one hand are visible beneath the mound of blankets, but the fabric trembles with her shivering.
I stand.
