e force of the blow, her hand risin
cower. She looked him right in t
nking her toward the door, his other hand closing around
he coarse concrete. The pain stung sharp and hot, but I
k of his SUV and drove li
cramped room. Elena lay on the bed, hair a wild mess, skin mapped with dark bruises. The se
is voice rattling the windowpane
s filth on his shoe. "Just l
tall. "I was at
t the door. His enforcers dragged in three bruised and batt
inting a shaking, bloodied finger at my
ther, shielding her with my own body. "You're lying!" I cried,
nd foul blocking your path. Slowly, he drew a silk handkerchief from his pocket and
to protect h
came out cold and casual. "Drag Sophia
mother's arms, my father cross
hem, his voice dripping with cruelty. "It w
horror. She shoved me violently away from
gh thumb wedged itself between my jawbone and nec
" he co
e men dragged my struggling
mall fists against the heavy wood until my knuckles split. I
hall, ignoring me completely. He was gen
muffled thuds. Then a piercing, agoniz
art s
ised face pale with panic. "She's dead!" he yelled, gas
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