Then a warm gush over my hand.It’s redder than the port.
He lets out a guttural sound, shock widening his eyes.
Is it surprise?Pain?
Did he truly think I didn’t have this kind of strength?
His wine glass shatters as it hits the floor.
For the first time since I stepped inside this nightmare house, I breathe out what feels like a sort of relief.
He blinks, dazed, blood blooming through his shirt.
And then?—
He smiles.
Actuallysmiles.
“Oh, Daniela,” he rasps, voice full of twisted admiration.“You always did have a way of surprising me.”
He clamps his hand around my wrist—still strong, too strong—and the knife falls from my grip.
He yanks me closer, his breath hot.
The candles still sputter on the table.
The fifth still waits.
He’s bleeding.He will eventually lose his strength.
I stare him down.
I will not break.
I will not scream.
If I go down, I go down fighting.
He presses his forehead to mine.“You always were,” he whispers, his breath ragged, “the most exquisite dessert.”
I punch my fist right into his wound.
He falls from the chair.
He’s bigger than I am.Stronger.
But he’s bleeding.
And the fifth candle isn’t lit yet.
This isn’t over.
I came here to trade myself for Belinda’s freedom—for her life—but the scales have tipped.
Turns out I may not have to die doing it.
Hawk, please…
Find me.
I left no clues.By now Hawk knows I’m gone, but he has no means of knowing where I am.
But he can figure it out.By now he’s spoken to Vinnie and Raven.Vinnie is able to dig up information on just about anyone.He might be able to find out that Reyes or the chef is connected to this place.
It’s a longshot, but it’s possible.
And if Hawk doesn’t arrive in time, I’ll get out of here on my own.
