“Yes.” Daniel grinned. “I’m going to show you punishment. I’m going to teach you a lesson you’ll never forget.”
The sound of belt buckles and zippers rapidly gathered my wits.
Fight, Nila.
Time had run out.
Daniel would rape me on the floor of a tent in the middle of their diamond empire. I was alone. If I didn’t win, Cut would take me next, and I would crave the day I paid the Final Debt as I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.
Please...
Sobs wanted to take over rather than fight. I’d burned through everything I had.
How can I win when I have nothing left?
Daniel shifted, jerking down his trousers, freeing his red-angry cock. “We’re in fucking Africa.” Daniel breathed hard, his breath reeking of liquor. “Know what happens in Africa?”
I didn’t respond. I never liked his answers. Ihatedhis answers. Instead, I wriggled, trying to get free.
I’m done.
It was over.
It’s not over!
Memories of altered garments and sewn weapons flooded my mind. How could I forget?
My vision narrowed, searching, flying around the tent.
My jeans.
They rested an arm’s stretch away. In the leg, I’d hidden a scalpel.
The scalpel!
My heart catapulted in my chest with joy. The hidden blade would be my guardian. My saviour. Grunting, I stretched my arm out, fingers fumbling with the denim.
Daniel didn’t care about my attempt to grab discarded clothes. His fingers latched around my collar, shaking me with frustration. “You know, this would be a lot more fun if you played along. Answer me. What happens in Africa, Weaver?”
Spit welled in my mouth—partly from grey sickness and partly from vile disgust. My fingers stretched harder.
I can’t reach.
“Fuck, answer me!”
“I’ll answer you.” Turning my head, I spat in his demonic face. “Shut up! There? That make you happy, arsehole?”
His features contorted, but he didn’t move away. “That’s the last fucking straw. You pushed too far. Gonna do what I’ve wanted for months.” His breathing turned sporadic. “I’m going to break my promise.”
My heart stopped.
What?
I was torn between straining to reach my jeans and paying attention.
Get them. Before it’s too late.
“I promised Cut I’d leave you alive for him. But after that—” He chuckled coldly, his eyes darkening into golden blackness. “After that blatant disregard, I’m going to fuck you dead, you hear me? I’m going to make you scream and cry and beg and pray for motherfuckingdeath.”
