e force of the blow, her hand risin

cower. She looked him right in t

nking her toward the door, his other hand closing around

he coarse concrete. The pain stung sharp and hot, but I

k of his SUV and drove li

cramped room. Elena lay on the bed, hair a wild mess, skin mapped with dark bruises. The se

is voice rattling the windowpane

s filth on his shoe. "Just l

tall. "I was at

t the door. His enforcers dragged in three bruised and batt

inting a shaking, bloodied finger at my

ther, shielding her with my own body. "You're lying!" I cried,

nd foul blocking your path. Slowly, he drew a silk handkerchief from his pocket and

to protect h

came out cold and casual. "Drag Sophia

mother's arms, my father cross

hem, his voice dripping with cruelty. "It w

horror. She shoved me violently away from

gh thumb wedged itself between my jawbone and nec

" he co

e men dragged my struggling

mall fists against the heavy wood until my knuckles split. I

hall, ignoring me completely. He was gen

muffled thuds. Then a piercing, agoniz

art s

ised face pale with panic. "She's dead!" he yelled, gas