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“Because I freed you?”

“Because when Ciro ordered everyone in this compound to leave me chained, thirsty, and alone, you decided his orders didn’t mean shit.”

A surprised laugh slipped out of her.

I wanted to hear that sound again.

“In my world, that earns more than respect. It earns protection.”

Before either of us could say more, a door slammed somewhere down the corridor.

We both went still.

A man called out in Spanish. Another answered farther away.

Isabella turned toward the main door.

“I need to leave.”

“Aye.”

She moved quickly, gathering everything she’d brought.

I settled back against the chair.

Then she stopped.

Her attention dropped to my pants.

“I have to leave you exactly as she did.”

“I know.”

“I hate it.”

Her anger on my behalf fed the need already taking root in me to burn the world for her.

“So do I, Mouse.”

She turned without being asked.

I opened my pants again and arranged myself exactly as Isabeast had left me. The exposure didn’t bother me.

Isabeast had done it because she wanted to humiliate me. I did it because one wrong detail could get Isabella killed.

“You can turn around.”

She faced me and fixed her attention so determinedly on my face that I nearly laughed.

She crouched and secured the first ankle restraint.

“Too loose, tighter.”

Her head came up. “It’s already cut into you.”

“If a guard notices—”

“Okay, okay.”