did was call the

ordered, my voice devoid of em

ther end of the line, but I di

lding it tight against my chest. It was the only piece of my past I

ozens of missed calls and frantic texts.

rembling as he looked at me. "Are you sure abou

s leaving behind. "I want nothing left. And if a word of t

nodding fr

ssenger seat. I hadn't gone far when a fleet of

e flung his door open and ran tow

y window. "Hailey! Open t

"I was so scared. I thought you w

a fleeting moment, the old love flickered, a phanto

illuminated my face. The screen was dark, but I knew wh

a performance, a tool to keep me in line. I was jus

lled me out, crushing me against his

anger. He held my face in his hands, his gaze searching mine.

so thick I cou

m. "I went to see my

ng masks. "Oh, baby. I'm so sorry." He had one of his men bring an ic

hispered, his grip on my arm tightenin

my eyes. You have no idea what it's like to

cemetery together, to pay

pulling my arm away

ght, showing me brochures for a new villa he wanted to build for us on a private i

into the house,

on the sofa, lookin

heading straigh

e stood up, swaying slightly. "I'm sorry. I just... I

ng eyes. "I'll leave now. I

ty as he looked at her. It was a fl

o me. "I'll take you upstairs, baby," he said, then looked o

d back in her head, and she colla

of hesitation, Ka

ng the hard marble steps with a si

t even l

athering her into his arms. Hi

r! Now!" he roared, his voice filled wit