A threat wrapped in a promise.
I wish I could shove the steak down his throat and stab him in the eye with his knife.
"I thought we discussed this," I reply, keeping my tone neutral—the way I used to when talking to targets with guns tucked behind their backs.
Ewan tilts his head. "And I told you what I want, but you've made excuses the last few times."
"I wasn't ovulating."
"Surely you are now. It's been a couple of weeks since you bled."
A thin, nervous laugh slips out. "Are you keeping track of my cycle?"
"I'd like to cover my bases, just in case." He winks at me.
My hand curls around the edge of the table beneath the linen. "If you'll excuse me, I'm not actually that hungry."
"You're not going anywhere."
I stand, and he stares up at me, half smiling.
"Sit." The softness in his voice vanishes so fast the room chills.
I stay standing, contemplating making a run for it.
"Keira."
Every cell in my body screamsmove, but I turn toward the door too late. His hand fists in my hair and yanks me backward so hard I let out a scream.
"You ungrateful little whore," he breathes into my ear. "I have given you everything. Food. Shelter. Protection. A son who is still breathing because ofme."
He spins me and shoves me to the floor. My palms burn as they skid across the carpet.
Where is my will to fight now?
Above me on the table, a candle flickers steadily…so I stare at it. Focus my attention on the flame.
You will not cry.
He's behind me, the weight of him bigger than his body as he presses my cheek into the carpet.
The rug smells like cleaning solution and dust.
"You embarrassed me today at the table, in front of my guests. Your hand pushing mine away like you're some fucking feral animal who forgot its owner."
His knee presses down between my shoulder blades.
"Did you think I wouldn't notice? Did you think I'd let that slide?"
I don't answer.
His hand slides slowly down my spine until he reaches the hem of my dress.
"Stop, please."
"Shut up."
Cold air hits my skin as he yanks the fabric up to my waist.
