ublic spectacle, the cameras flashing, it

g into his skin like claws, and dragged

low and venomous. "You think this li

rew him against the wall. He stumble

er eyes blazing with a hatred

, aching plea. "Please, Caroline. Elodie is all I have left.

es and knew he had to offer more. He had

om his throat. "Let me be Leo's servant. I'll wai

e spreading across her face. The idea clea

oice a purr of satisfac

ing he had never been allowed to enter.

reclining on a velvet chaise, a book in his hand. He looke

yours," she said to Leo, her voice drippin

an, her expression turn

heir pity a fresh layer of humiliation. But he thought of Elodie, of the ba

"Excellent. For my first request... play the piano for m

new the piece Leo wanted. It was a melancholic jazz

eart a cold, heavy

ft but unyielding. He took Caroline's hand and l

t rooms. Through the open bedroom door, he could see their

own unspoken grief. His fingers grew raw, the keys

when the bedroom door finally opened. Car

yes taking in his bleeding fingers,

rotest, his soul utterly depleted. "Are you sati

m wracking his body as he vomited