Painfully.
Sweat gathered along her brow.
At last, the cloth frayed and snapped.
Her hands came free.
Before she could move any farther, footsteps echoed from outside.
A wooden door creaked open at the far end of the chamber.
Charlotte instantly lay back down, loosely gathering the severed cloth around her wrists once more.
‘Well, well, Miss Walker. Awake at last.’
Even before he stepped fully into the lantern light, she recognised the Captain’s smooth voice.
Revulsion twisted sharply within her.
‘You shall not escape this,’ she said steadily. ‘Lord Stanley will uncover the truth eventually. You cannot simply return to Alderley now, Falcon.’
His brows rose slightly at the mention of his code name.
‘Oh, clever girl,’ he said with a low chuckle. ‘Yes, I am Falcon. And do not distress yourself, darling. I have many countries available to me. I have simply decided England no longer suits my tastes.’
His voice had changed entirely now. The warmth and charm were gone, replaced by something crueller. Rougher. Dangerous.
So it truly had all been an act.
‘What do you want from me?’ Charlotte demanded.
He stepped fully into the cage.
‘Several things, actually.’
He reached out and stroked her cheek.
Charlotte jerked violently away.
‘Do not touch me.’
He laughed softly.
‘You need not fear that. I trade in untouched girls, and you, my dear, shall start quite the bidding frenzy in France. I possess acquaintances in very elevated circles there.’
His mouth curved unpleasantly.
‘You shall keep me in luxury for quite some time, I think. Though I confess, you have teased me dreadfully these past weeks.’
Without warning, he seized her shoulders and dragged her towards him.
Charlotte spat directly into his face.
He struck her hard and fast in response.
Pain exploded across her cheek, but she refused to cry out. Refused even to acknowledge it.
She merely lifted her gaze and stared at him with contempt.
