He held her chin fast, forcing her to look at him. His face was an inch away from hers. The disgusting scent of sour wine and smoke filled her nose.
I won’t let him win, I won’t–
He pushed his body closer. Crowding her. He was everywhere. His lips almost touched hers. “Let’s make your last moments memorable, shall we?”
His hand dropped to her hip, pulling her dress roughly upwards. The fabric ripping.
Do something! Fight!
“See if we can get you screaming my name instead.”
“No, no, stop–” she cried, desperately trying to pull away.
His hand moved lower, his fingers on her thigh–
Somebody, anybody, please stop him.
“Get your fucking hands off her.”
Cade froze. So did she.
That voice...
It couldn’t be real. She’d imagined it. She must have. But she turned her head anyway, hardly daring to hope.
There he was.
Sebastian stood in the doorway.
I love you.
The thought tore through her, fierce and certain. Burning everything else from her mind. His tunic was torn, a dark bruise spreading across his ribs. Blood streaked down his face, dark red against his pale skin. He was breathing like every inhale caused pain.
He’s hurt–
But his expression was pure fury. Crimson magic rippled jaggedly over his skin, alive and dangerous.
But he’s here.
His sword was in his hand, already covered with blood.
“I said,” Sebastian growled, “Get. Off. Her.”
Cade’s hands dropped from her. He took a step back, his smile gone. Replaced with fear.
Good.
Kara yanked hard at the bracket, desperate to reach Sebastian. He was just a few steps away. Sebastian moved towards her, then stopped. His gaze went to her arms, stretched high and bound. To her dress, torn and riding up her thighs. His expression darkened – horrified, and then truly frightening. He’d seen what was about to happen.
“Did he hurt you?” he hissed.
Kara hesitated. She could lie. Say no. Pretend it didn’t matter. But it did. She knew what saying it would do. Knew Sebastian would likely kill him – right here, right now.
He deserves it.
The viciousness of her thoughts shocked her. But she didn’t fight it.
“Not just now,” she whispered, finding her voice. “But he’s been hurting me for days.”
