“If Dad won’t let us be together, I’ll kill him. Problem solved.”
Shocked laughter bursts from my lips, because he has to be joking. “Cristiano, you can’t be serious.”
“I’m completely serious.” He says it calmly, like it’s the most logical thing in the world. “He’s a monster anyway, Mina. You don’t know half the things he’s done. He deserves to die.”
I try to turn around and see his face, but his arms are locked around me like steel bands.
“Let me go.”
“Mina—”
“Let me go!” I’m struggling now, panic rising in my throat. “Cristiano, please, you’re scaring me.”
“I’m not going to hurt you.” His voice is still calm, which somehow makes it worse. “I would never hurt you. I’m trying to protect you. To protect us.”
“By killing your father?”
“Yes.”
“That’s insane!”
“It’s necessary.”
I’m crying now, hot tears streaming down my face. This isn’t happening. This can’t be happening. Five minutes ago we were making love, and now he’s talking about murder like it’s a grocery list. He’s going to turn himself into a killer.
“Please,” I sob. “Please, Cristiano, I don’t want this. We can figure something else out. Just let me go and we’ll talk.”
I don’t want to talk. All I want is to put my clothes back on and hobble away from Cristiano as fast as I can, calling out for Mom. My mind flashes back to four years ago, trapped in the wardrobe while I pleaded and lied until he let me out.
The hands that are holding me prisoner are the same hands that were just in my hair, on my waist, learning the feel of me and giving me so much pleasure. Ten minutes ago, I was so happy.
“There’s nothing to figure out.” His arms tighten further, and I can barely breathe. “This is the only way. Once it’s done we can be together, and you’ll thank me.”
“I won’t. I could never.”
“You will.” He sounds so certain. “You’ll forgive me. You’ll marry me. We’ll be happy together, Mina. I promise. I’ll make you so happy.”
“Cristiano, please. You can’t do this.” My body is shaking with sobs. He means every word he says. I can hear it in his voice.
“I’m sorry.” His voice softens, almost tender. “I know this is hard. I know you’re scared. But I can’t let anyone come between us, and I can’t let you run away again.”
I feel him shift behind me, and I hear the clink of metal.
His belt.
“No.” The word comes out as a whimper. “No, no, no—”
He holds the belt in his grip, looming over me. There’s so much darkness in his eyes. “This is just a precaution. Your ankle is sore, but I know what you’re like, Mina. You’ll find a way to get downstairs anyway. You’re determined, and I love that about you, but right now I need to do this for us.”
He moves quickly and efficiently. The leather of his belt wraps around my arms, pinning them to my sides. I struggle, but it’s useless. He’s too strong, and my ankle screams in protest every time I try to kick.
“Cristiano, stop.Please.”
He reaches for his T-shirt.
“I can’t have you screaming,” he says apologetically. “Someone might hear.”
“Don’t—”
