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He moved a fraction of an inch closer and raised his eyebrows. Somehow that was more terrifying than if he’d yelled at her.
She crossed her arms. “I had to say something. We couldn’t just sit here in silence all the time. I told her about the lodge and how great it’s going to be.”
Without warning, John’s hand flew, cracking across Desi’s face. She spun with the impact and clutched her cheek.
Brielle gasped and jumped back. She thought she might be sick.
“You’re supposed to do what you’re told,” he said through clenched teeth.
Desi straightened, still holding a hand to her face. She didn’t reply.
He moved her hand and stroked his finger down the side of her face where he’d slapped her. “I thought I could trust you to be a good girl, Desi.”
“You can,” she said, her voice weak.
“Then why did you disobey me?”
“I was just trying to help.”
He stroked her face again. “After everything I’ve done for you, this is how you repay me? Do you want me to send you away, Desi?”
“No. No, please.” Her voice held an edge of panic. “Don’t send me away.”
“I can, you know. You won’t have it nearly as good as you do with me.”
“I know. Look, she’s fine. I took care of her.”
His eyes flicked to Brielle, then back to Desi. “Did you let anyone else in?”
“No.” She shook her head vehemently. “No one. I swear.”
“Did you leave with her?”
“No.”
He looked at Brielle again. “Is she lying?”
“No,” Brielle said, her voice trembling. “She was just being nice to me. I haven’t gone anywhere, I promise.”
His expression softened as he moved around Desi to approach Brielle. “Look at you. Such a good girl. You’ve been through so much, kitten.”
She swallowed hard, her stomach knotting with fear and indecision. She wanted to trust him.
The old Brielle called to her from deep inside. It’s all a lie.
He gently touched her face, tipping her chin so she had to look up at him. “It’s time to go.”
“Where?”
“Home.”
“What home? The cabin again?”
“Of course, kitten.”
He stroked her cheek, just like he’d stroked Desi’s. “You’re a risk, there’s no doubt about that. But I have a plan. We’re going to make sure they stop looking for you. Then you’ll be mine forever.”
“How?”
