“You have… no idea… who you’re fucking with,” I hiss through gritted teeth.
Aston’s eyes narrow, his smile sharpening into something cruel. “Oh, I know exactly who I’m fucking with, princess. The precious baby sister of the Caldwell empire. Daddy’s little girl, all grown up and playing at being queen.”
He takes a step closer, crowding into my space. The cloying scent of his cologne makes my stomach turn. Or maybe that’s just the drugs.
“But here’s the thing, sweetheart. You’re not as untouchable as you think. And now that big brother Jake isn’t around to protect you anymore, well…”
White hot rage burns through the haze of fear and chemical dullness. How dare he? How fucking dare he say my brother’s name?
With a wordless snarl, I summon every ounce of strength I have left and throw myself at Aston, hands curled into claws. I’ll rip the bastard’s eyes out, tear his fucking throat open with my teeth if I have to.
But it’s like hitting a brick wall. He absorbs the impact easily, catching my wrists in an iron grip. I thrash against his hold, spitting curses, but it’s no use. I’m too weak, too disoriented.
Aston laughs, a cruel, mocking sound that makes me want to scream. “There she is. There’s that famous Caldwell fire. Too bad it’s not enough to save you.”
He leans in close, his breath hot against my ear. “Don’t worry, princess. I’ll make sure to send Daddy your regards… after I’m done with you.”
Bile rises in my throat. I know exactly what he means by “done.” And I refuse to let this vile man violate me, even if it kills me.
Summoning the last dregs of my strength, I lunge forward and sink my teeth into his ear. The coppery tang of blood floods my mouth as Aston howls in agony, jerking away. But I clamp down harder, worrying at the flesh like a rabid dog.
He rips himself free with a scream, clutching at the bloody ruin of his ear. Murder blazes in his eyes as he rounds on me.
“You fucking bitch!” He backhands me viciously, splitting my lip. “I’ll make you pay for that. I’ll—”
But before he can finish his threat, a wave of dizziness crashes over me. The drug, the adrenaline, the sheer terror of the moment—it’s all too much.
I sway on my feet, black spots dancing in my vision. Aston’s snarling face blurs and distorts, his words fading into a distant buzz.
I’m dimly aware of my knees giving out, my body crumpling.
Fuck.
The floor rushes up to meet me.
“Bug! Come out, Bug!”
Jake?
“Go away!” I hear my little self shout, curled up tight in the dark among the shoes and dresses.
I peek through the crack in the closet door, my heart pounding. There he is.
Oh, I miss you, Jake.
I can hardly believe it.
It’s like he’s really here.
“Come on, bug,” he says, gently pushing the door open. “Why are you hiding?”
I keep quiet.
Today’s my ninth birthday, nine years after Mom died because of me. Even the doctor had told her she was risking her life to give birth to me, but she chose to have me anyway.
Jake crouches down, peering at my tear-streaked face.
I sniffle. “Daddy yelled at me again. He hates me.”
