Chapter 1

"Blair, have you made up your mind? I'll submit your name once you decide."

Blair Montez tightened her grip on the phone and said softly, "I've decided, sir."

She had participated in an architecture competition and won first place. This award carried significant prestige and offered a direct opportunity to study abroad.

After hanging up, Blair retrieved a box from the deepest corner of her closet. Inside was a photo album of her and Gregory Croft. The first photo showed 17-year-old Gregory with seven-year-old Blair.

Under the blazing sun, the teenager leaped high into the air, just beneath the basketball hoop. His shirt rode up, revealing a slender yet powerful strip of lean waist, with clearly defined abs.

Blair had pestered him for the ball, and he deliberately held it high, teasing her as she stood on her tiptoes trying to grab it. Just as she was about to reach it, he spun around and dunked the ball with one hand.

Blair stared in amazement at his moves. He grinned with carefree confidence and handed her the ball. "Come on, I'll teach you!"

Under the warm sun, he taught her again and again, never showing the slightest hint of impatience.

Those were the happiest times of Blair's childhood. She thought things would always continue like that, but the memories were soon buried under pain and came to an abrupt end.

In her memories, Gregory had been her father's friend. Jake Montez admired the teenager greatly, and Gregory often visited their home.

Then came the accident. The Montez family went bankrupt, her parents died in a car crash, and the family assets were divided up. No one wanted to take on the burden of caring for her, so she was sent to an orphanage.

It was Gregory who brought her back to the Croft family, showering her with his affection and favoritism. No matter how busy he was, he could always sense her moods and stay by her side to cheer her up.

Knowing that the other Crofts didn't like Blair, Gregory became the head of the Croft family. With him there, no one in the family dared to bully her or even speak harshly to her.

He was there through every worry and struggle of growing up. Under his protection, she never experienced a moment of hardship.

Gradually, Blair became increasingly dependent on him. She soon realized she had fallen in love with him.

The day her SAT results were released, he deliberately cleared his schedule and took her to many places.

That evening, Blair intentionally got drunk. Emboldened by the alcohol, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and leaned into his embrace to confess her feelings.

However, Gregory pushed Blair away and spoke harshly to her for the first time. "Blair, get a grip. I'm basically an uncle to you!"

Blair grabbed a glass of water and splashed it on her own face to prove she was sober. "I like you exactly as you are, Greg. You've been so good to me. I don't believe you feel nothing for me at all!"

He exhaled heavily and rubbed his temples. "This isn't love. You're still young, so you'll understand later. I'm going to pretend you never said this."

Blair stubbornly shook her head, her eyes burning with intensity. She was determined to express her feelings. "No, I understand my own feelings perfectly. Greg, I just want to be with you!"

Gregory's patience snapped, and he said many hurtful things to her. The night ended with both of them upset.

After that day, Gregory's attitude toward her changed completely. He withdrew all his favoritism and affection, becoming distant and cold. Eventually, he lost his patience altogether, treating her like a stranger. He showed nothing but irritation even when she tried to approach him.

Blair's heart was shattered. The pain was unbearable, but she refused to give up, stubbornly believing that Gregory had feelings for her.

She held onto this hope for four years until she graduated from university. At 22 years old, she was convinced that her persistence would melt even the most stubborn heart.

Blair came to confess once more, only to walk in on him kissing another woman. He noticed her immediately but showed no embarrassment, gently cleaning the woman's lips before guiding her over to Blair.

"This is Beatrice Pierson, my girlfriend. You can call her Beatrice," he said.

He gently pulled Beatrice into his embrace and continued the introduction. "This is Blair."

He offered no further explanation about Blair, as if he truly considered her a complete stranger now. It was also his way of telling Blair to keep her distance.

Since he didn't explain Blair's relationship to him, Beatrice misunderstood the situation. She began targeting Blair at every opportunity for a long time afterward.

Blair's suppressed emotions finally exploded one day. She had so many questions for Gregory.

Had he gotten a girlfriend just to avoid her? Did he find her annoying and want an excuse to make her leave? Did he really not want her anymore?

After asking all these questions, her heart plummeted into hell the moment he answered. She would never forget Gregory's cold, piercing gaze or ruthless words that day.

"The person I love is Bea, now and always! As for you, you're just a little pet I took in out of kindness. I can kick you out of the Croft residence anytime I want."

During that period, Blair's entire world turned dark. She locked herself in her room, looking through the photo album over and over again.

It was also during this time that Blair learned she'd won the competition. Her professor urged her not to pass up this opportunity.

Even so, Blair said she needed to think about it.

She wanted to tell Gregory about this news, still holding onto a sliver of hope in her heart. Even after witnessing their public displays of affection, Blair continued to console herself and look for an opportunity to talk to Gregory about it.

But he never gave her that opportunity. Then came that night when Blair went to his office and witnessed him with Beatrice in an intimate embrace.

Blair knew it was over then. She could no longer lie to herself. In that moment, her heart died completely, and there would be no healing from this.

That was when she finally understood that Gregory could no longer be her everything. She had to let him go and set herself free.

Chapter 2

Blair put away the photos and looked up to see that it was already 10:00 pm. Gregory would be coming home around this time, so she went downstairs and made a bowl of pasta with butter and herbs.

Blair carefully approached Gregory when he just returned home, carrying the bowl despite his cold, disgusted stare. "Greg, I made some pasta. Would you like some?"

Gregory loosened his tie and turned away from Blair, his voice immediately softening as he spoke to Beatrice. "You said you were hungry. Try this."

Beatrice took the bowl from Blair and tasted a few bites. She grimaced, covered her mouth with a napkin, and spat out the food. With an exaggerated pout, she pushed the bowl away.

"It's awful."

Gregory shrugged off his jacket. "I'll cook something else for you."

Blair's heart clenched, her eyes widening in shock and disbelief.

She remembered the first time she had tried to cook pasta. It tasted awful, but Gregory ate every bite of it anyway. Afterward, he insisted she stop cooking and learned to cook himself, making all her meals. He had promised he would only ever cook for her.

Back then, Blair felt like the luckiest person alive. Now, he had broken that promise. He was not only cooking for someone else but also allowing that person to humiliate her efforts.

He really was in love with Beatrice.

Blair realized she meant nothing to him anymore. Why would he care about her feelings?

She choked back her hurt, retrieved the bowl, and forced herself to eat every bite through her tears.

Gregory watched her with cold indifference, his stare sharp as ice. "We have household staff, so stop trying to cook."

With that, he disappeared into the kitchen.

…

Gregory's bedroom was next to Blair's. She sat frozen on her couch, lights blazing, as intimate sounds drifted through the wall.

The soundproofing between the two bedrooms wasn't great, and the noises made her cheeks burn with shame.

Her fingernails cut into her palms until they bled, but Blair felt nothing at all.

When Blair first came to live with him, she couldn't sleep most nights and was afraid of thunderstorms. Gregory had deliberately kept the soundproofing minimal so that he could easily monitor Blair's condition. If she felt uncomfortable in any way, he would know immediately.

Now, this thoughtful detail had become a thorn piercing her heart. Blair didn't sleep all night, lying awake until dawn.

For the past two months, she hadn't dared to rest. She needed to save enough money for studying abroad. A professor at school had recommended several architectural design projects, and combined with her two restaurant jobs, it would be just enough.

She was working the night shift at the restaurant when someone booked a private dining room. Blair happened to be assigned to that section, so she wheeled her serving cart over.

When she saw who was at the table, she froze momentarily, then quickly composed herself and calmly served the food.

Beatrice smiled and called out her name. "Blair, you work here? You haven't eaten yet, have you? Come sit and have something with us."

Blair poured their wine, ignoring her words, and said expressionlessly, "Please enjoy your meal."

"I heard Blair plays the violin. I've never heard her play." Beatrice rested her chin on her hand, her face tilted up in a coquettish pout. "Blair, would you play something for me?"

Blair's hands were covered with several band-aids from drawing designs and carving over the past few days. Gregory noticed this too, his brow furrowing as a flash of concern crossed his eyes.

Was she out of her mind, letting herself get hurt like this? Or perhaps the money he gave her wasn't enough.

With this thought, he instinctively wanted to help treat her wounds. Gregory was about to pull her over when Beatrice spoke up.

"Blair, I heard working here is a great way to meet people. You certainly don't lack money from living with the Croft family, so you must be here to make more friends."

She smiled sweetly, her expression growing even more gentle. "You could've just told me, really. I could introduce you to people. You don't need to work so hard."

As soon as she was done speaking, Gregory's expression darkened instantly. He had forgotten that Blair would use any means necessary to be with him. Now that she saw no opportunity with him, she was setting her sights on other men.

Gregory's eyes blazed with anger, his jaw tightening. He couldn't understand how she had developed such a calculating and opportunistic nature after all these years of keeping her by his side.

Seeing Blair about to speak, Gregory pulled out several large bills and placed them in front of her. "Begin."

Blair's eyelashes fluttered as her heart shattered, her hands frozen in place.

She wasn't naive. She caught the meaning behind Beatrice's words, and after years of knowing Gregory, she could tell he believed every word. He actually thought she was that kind of person.

Tears threatened to spill. She blinked rapidly, swallowing the hurt that rose in her throat.

"What would you two like to hear?" Blair positioned the violin on her shoulder and looked at them expressionlessly.

Beatrice smiled playfully. "Just play something you're good at."

Blair said nothing more and began in silence. The melodious violin music filled the air as the wounds on her hands reopened, blood seeping through the bandages.

Beatrice noticed and gasped. "Oh no, Blair. Stop playing! You're bleeding."

She stood to take the violin from Blair's hands, but Gregory's voice cut through the air. "Leave her!"

Blair heard their exchange but played on numbly, her bleeding wounds seemingly causing her no pain. Only when she finished did she accept the bills.

"Thank you, Greg," Blair said with quiet finality.

The memory of that 17-year-old boy slowly dissolved from her mind. The man sitting before her now was simply someone who had once taken her in.

Chapter 3

Gregory peeled some shrimp for Beatrice while she nestled against him, flirtatiously feeding him pieces with her fingers. The intimacy was overwhelming, and Gregory never once glanced in Blair's direction throughout the entire meal.

The dinner felt endless.

When it was over, Blair's arm was stiff and numb. She prepared to leave without a word. Beatrice affectionately grabbed her hand, smiling sweetly while deliberately pressing on Blair's wounds.

Blair winced and pushed her away. Beatrice cried out dramatically, falling hard to the ground. Her nose reddened as tears streamed down her face.

"Blair, if you don't like me, just tell me. There's no need to come at me like this. Or did I say something to upset you?"

Blair's wounds throbbed painfully. She started to explain, but Gregory cut her off. "Blair, I'm so disappointed in you!"

He pulled Beatrice protectively into his arms and shot Blair a cold glance filled with disgust and anger. Still, Blair held onto one last thread of hope. In the past, even the smallest injury would make him worry about her for days.

She held out her hand, exposing her worsening wounds. "Greg, Beatrice touched my injuries first."

Gregory looked down, his gaze lingering on her wounds as his frown deepened.

Beatrice sensed trouble and cried out in pain. "Greg, I feel so dizzy. Can you take me to the hospital?"

Gregory held her tighter, a flash of tenderness in his eyes quickly replaced by cold indifference. "Stop with your little tricks. I won't forgive you if anything happens to Bea."

With that, he swept Beatrice into his arms and left without looking at Blair. Her heart had gone completely numb.

The day she was first brought to the Croft residence, the household staff looked down on her and deliberately kept her from getting enough food. When Gregory found out, he fired them and ensured they couldn't work in the industry again.

He promised to protect Blair and never let anyone hurt her, and he had kept that promise for ten years. But that vow stopped mattering four years ago, the day she confessed her feelings.

That evening, Beatrice posted a photo on her social media. In it, Gregory was massaging her legs with a focused, tender expression. The caption radiated pure happiness.

Blair glanced at it but didn't react.

A month before leaving the country, Blair began the visa application process. Since she was busy with part-time work, she rented an apartment and rarely returned to the Croft residence. She left almost everything she had at the Croft residence, taking only what she had bought with her own money.

She had kept track of everything Gregory had spent on her over the past 15 years in a notebook. She would pay him back every dime in the future. Once everything was settled, they would have no connection left.

Her acceptance letter had been delivered to the Croft residence and ended up in Gregory's hands. Blair had to go back and nervously ask for it.

Gregory watched her reaction with curiosity but didn't press. Instead, he brought up something else.

"Bea knows you just graduated and might have trouble finding work. Since you studied architectural design, she wants you to design our new home. Consider it experience, and the pay will be good."

"No need."

Blair's expression remained calm as she smiled gently. "You don't need to pay me, Greg. You've helped me so much. Let this be my way of repaying you."

Seeing her composure, Gregory felt an inexplicable tightness in his chest. "Is there anything else you want to say?"

Blair handed him the woven bracelet she had been working on for days. "I wish you both nothing but happiness."

Two weeks before leaving for abroad, Blair finished designing their new home. The design followed Beatrice's wishes completely, and the latter was delighted.

Blair prepared to leave when the sky suddenly erupted with heavy rain and thunderclaps. She froze, unable to move.

Beatrice received a phone call at that moment and had to leave for an urgent matter. Seeing Blair unable to go, she graciously allowed her to stay the night.

Blair broke into a cold sweat, curling up on the bed.

Later that night, the bedroom door opened. Gregory noticed movement on the bed and climbed in, pulling Blair into his arms. His voice was low and gentle as he said, "Bea, don't be afraid. I'm here."

Gregory stroked the back of her neck and grabbed her trembling hands, pressing her face into the hollow of his throat.

He was so tender that it nearly overwhelmed Blair completely. Her mind cleared as she tried to push him away, but his burning kiss suddenly captured her lips.

Gregory kissed her deeply, his mouth fierce and demanding. Blair couldn't pull away, left breathless and dizzy as she struggled to speak. "Wait..."

He braced himself on one arm beside her, half-kneeling on the bed. His upper body revealed smooth muscle lines in the dim light, radiating barely contained strength.

His hot breath brushed against Blair's neck, sending heat through her body and stirring feelings she tried to ignore. Blair felt her treacherous response and clenched her jaw, tears welling in her eyes.

The smell of alcohol clung to him, and she heard him murmur another woman's name again and again. Pain shot through Blair's chest, and she bit down hard on his shoulder.

Gregory groaned. In that moment, Blair shoved him away and slapped him hard across the face.

The crisp sound echoed through the silent bedroom. All Blair could hear was her racing heart and his ragged breathing.

Chapter 4

Blair quickly turned on the bedroom lights. The sudden brightness made Gregory squint.

When he saw the woman by the bed, his expression darkened instantly. Still, the sight of Blair looking helpless softened something in him.

Her long, dark hair draped over her shoulders, and her dress hugged her figure, tracing every curve. Under the light, her pale cheeks contrasted with her blood-red lips, creating a beauty that was both alluring and innocent. She was utterly stunning.

Gregory's eyes darkened, a vein pulsing at his temple. He pressed his fingers against it, thinking about her possible motives for being here.

"Blair, what are you trying to pull? You still haven't given up, have you?" he said as he grabbed Blair's arm and pulled her toward the door.

Thunder boomed outside, and Blair broke into a cold sweat as panic washed over her. She grabbed onto the doorframe desperately, tears streaming down her face.

"I didn't know you'd be here, Greg! Please, just let me stay inside. I can explain everything."

Gregory's face remained stone cold as he peeled her fingers away one by one. The door slammed shut in her face. No matter how desperately Blair pounded on the door, he wouldn't open it.

Blair slumped against the door, her hands sliding down the wood. Thunder crashed outside as she huddled in the corner, covering her ears and squeezing her eyes shut, crying for her parents.

"Dad, Mom, I'm so scared… I miss you both so much..."

The Gregory who used to cherish her was gone. She was completely alone now.

…

Blair caught a cold, but she didn't let it stop her from doing what needed to be done. She had saved almost enough money and had already quit her job at the restaurant to start packing her things.

Gregory's engagement party was scheduled for the following week. Blair checked the calendar. She had just enough time to do everything.

By all logic and sentiment, she knew she had to be there. Three days had passed before she saw Gregory again. She went back to the Croft residence to gather some of her things and happened to run into him.

With her bag packed, Blair greeted him quietly and prepared to leave. Gregory stepped in front of her, blocking her path. There was something unreadable in his eyes.

After a long pause, he finally spoke. "I'm sorry about that night."

Just hearing him bring it up made Blair's shoulders tense. She quickly steadied herself and smiled. "It's fine, Greg. It's already behind us."

Gregory's eyes fell to the thin black string tied around her wrist. His brow tightened, and whatever trace of softness had been in his expression disappeared.

He knew some young couples liked wearing bracelets like that, especially people her age. Just the thought soured his mood.

"Are you seeing someone?" he asked.

Blair looked puzzled and shook her head, but Gregory didn't believe her.

"I don't even know where you're staying. Take me there."

It wasn't a suggestion. Blair had no choice but to bring him along. When she unlocked the door to her place, the documents for her study abroad plans were still scattered across the table.

To her dismay, Gregory noticed them right away.

…

A week later, Blair showed up at Gregory and Beatrice's engagement party. She arrived a little late, having just picked up her visa.

As she stood among the guests, her mind drifted back to the moment a week earlier, when Gregory had seen the documents on her table.

Luckily, she hadn't signed them. She made up a quick excuse, saying they belonged to a friend. Gregory didn't ask too many questions after that.

He only told her there was no need to rush into a relationship. She was still young, and she should be focusing on her future.

What he told her now was completely different from what he had said before. Blair couldn't figure out what he was thinking, and she had no intention of trying to.

On the day of the engagement party, Blair sat quietly among the guests. She watched the two of them raise their glasses in perfect sync, weaving through the crowd with ease. Beatrice's eyes were overflowing with happiness.

Blair stared at Gregory for a long time. This was likely the last chance she had to look at him so openly, without holding back.

She had fallen for him when she was 16. Ever since, she had always imagined herself standing beside him and pictured herself in a wedding dress, one she would wear only for him. But now, that dream was completely gone.

As the crowd cheered around them and the couple kissed, Blair quietly made her way toward the exit. But just as she was about to leave, a strange sound came from the projector at the center of the hall.

She froze when she heard her own voice echo through the speakers. Eyes wide, she looked up in disbelief.

The screen was playing footage from the day she had confessed her feelings to Gregory. Every moment, every word, captured in sharp detail.

The room quickly filled with whispers. The gossip spread like wildfire, and none of it was kind. Some sneered that she was pathetic, chasing after someone so far out of her league.

Others whispered that without parents to teach her better, it was no surprise she'd pursue someone else's fiance with no shame.

Blair's fingertips went numb. She turned to look at Gregory, her eyes filled with disbelief, silently asking him why he would do such a thing.

Gregory took the microphone and said calmly, "As of today, Blair Montez has nothing to do with the Croft family."

He didn't explain the video. He didn't offer any context. He just delivered the sentence coldly, without hesitation.

Blair's reputation was ruined in an instant. And now, she no longer had the Croft family backing her.

It was almost laughable. The man who once promised to protect her, who said he'd never let her get hurt, was now the one throwing her into the center of a storm. He let her be ridiculed and torn apart.

Some things, once broken, could never be restored. She took a slow, deep breath and accepted it all with quiet calm.

Blair thought maybe this was for the best. At least when she left for her studies abroad, there would be nothing tying her to the Croft family anymore.

They could say whatever they wanted about her. None of it mattered to her now. Blair turned to leave, but Beatrice's friends blocked her path, demanding that she explain the video.

She didn't want to engage, but the surrounding guests closed in, forming a wall of judgment that left her with no way out.

Blair stepped up onto the stage expressionlessly. With no other choice, she took the microphone, raised her head, and admitted without hesitation, "Yes. I admit I had feelings for Mr. Croft."

At that moment, Gregory's gaze was so intense that it felt like it could cut straight through her.

Chapter 5

Blair continued, "Everyone has the right to express their feelings. I confessed mine, and he turned me down. I won't push any further. Not now, not ever!"

Gregory's brow twitched. Her words stirred an unexpected irritation in him, and beneath that, something that felt a lot like panic.

A sudden thought surfaced. It was almost as if Blair was going to leave him.

But he quickly dismissed the idea. Blair had been by his side since she was seven. She'd always been obedient, sweet, and never once left, no matter what happened. Why would now be any different?

Blair felt like something was stuck in her throat. Still, she forced herself to swallow it down. When she spoke again, her voice trembled slightly.

"I no longer have anything to do with the Croft family. Whatever I do from now on has nothing to do with them."

She left the Croft residence for the last time that night and returned to her apartment.

…

A few days later, someone called her. Charlotte Lockhart had fallen at the stables and injured her leg. Blair was asked to come immediately.

Charlotte was her only real friend. A little spoiled, sure, but they clicked naturally in every other way. The moment she heard what happened, Blair asked for the address and rushed over.

Portwell Stables wasn't open to the public. It was a private retreat for the elite, with an entry fee that could reach seven figures—more than enough to make even the flashiest nouveau riche think twice.

Gregory had taken her there a few times. The gate staff recognized her and welcomed her in with flattering eagerness.

As soon as she stepped inside, a sharp whistle cut through the air.

"Ms. Montez, all alone today?" Jedd Pierson's lazy, arrogant gaze swept over her, lingering in a way that made her skin crawl.

Everyone around them knew that Blair was never seen alone. If she showed up, Gregory was usually right beside her. Everyone knew how much he adored her, treating her as if she were the center of his world.

Without Gregory watching over her, someone with a face like hers would've been chewed up and spat out a long time ago.

But now that she'd cut ties with the Croft family, and Gregory no longer protected her, it was open season. Getting his hands on her wouldn't take much effort at all.

Blair didn't recognize the man speaking to her, but the look in his eyes told her everything she needed to know. She ignored him and asked a nearby staff member where Charlotte was.

The stables had their own medical wing. Blair had been there a few times before and vaguely remembered the way. But something felt off as the direction the attendant led her in didn't match her memory.

She hesitated for a second, suspicion rising, then said casually, "I just remembered I forgot something. You don't need to take me. I'll head there on my own in a bit."

The man's polite expression shifted instantly, his smile tight and forced. "What did you forget, Ms. Montez? I can grab it for you so you don't have to go back and forth."

That set off alarm bells. Before she could respond, two large men appeared behind her, blocking her exit.

Before she could resist, they grabbed her and dragged her into a room. The door slammed shut behind them with a heavy thud.

Blair banged on the door with all her strength, her pulse pounding as dread took over. Just as she looked around for a way out, the door creaked open again, and a man stepped inside.

Her eyes flew open. It was Jedd, the same man who had spoken to her outside. He had been eyeing Blair for a long time.

It was no accident that Charlotte had injured her leg. After all, Jedd had arranged for it to happen. He knew it would bring Blair running.

And sure enough, she came just like he knew she would. She walked right into the trap he had set.

Originally, Jedd hadn't planned to act so soon. But once Beatrice gave the green light, there was no reason to wait.

He pulled out the bottle of wine he had prepared earlier, uncorked it, and poured a full glass. "Gregory doesn't want you anymore, but I do.

"Stay with me, and I'll treat you just as well. Maybe even better."

Blair knew exactly how dangerous the situation was. Her eyes stayed fixed on the glass in his hand, her mind turning fast.

Then, as if something had clicked, she reached out and took the drink. A slow, flirtatious smile curved her lips, and her voice turned soft.

"Perfect timing. I was getting thirsty. Let me finish this first, then we can talk."

Jedd's eyes burned with excitement and greed, never once leaving her face.

From the moment he laid eyes on her, he thought she was stunning. Her skin looked impossibly soft, almost translucent, like it would bruise with the slightest touch. Her delicate features, so finely shaped, gave her a glow that was impossible to ignore.

He remembered how she used to smile beside Gregory, laughing like a carefree fawn in the woods. She looked so tender and sweet.

But that illusion shattered in an instant. The harmless little fawn had become a wildcat with claws, and she slashed at him without warning.

The second Blair's fingers touched the glass, she flung the wine straight into his face. Before he could react, she turned and bolted toward the bathroom.

She knew the main door was probably locked. At least, hiding in the bathroom would buy her a moment to think.

Her hands trembled as she pulled up her contacts. Her gaze landed on the first number listed—Gregory.

He had already cut ties with her. Would calling him even make a difference?

"Open the door!"

Jedd's voice thundered through the door. Blair could barely breathe from the pressure.

He wiped the wine from his face with the back of his hand, letting out a low, mocking laugh. There was nothing gentle in the curve of his mouth, only cruelty.

"Be good and open the door yourself. I'll be gentler with you later. Otherwise, don't blame me if you end up dead on that bed."

Sweat beaded on Blair's forehead. Her hand trembled, but she still pressed the call button. The call hadn't even fully gone through when the door burst open.

Her phone flew from her hand, slamming into the wall. Neither of them noticed that the call had connected just two seconds earlier, and someone had picked up.

Jedd grabbed her wrist and slammed her against the sink. He leaned in close, his breath hot against her ear, voice low and vile.

"So you like it in here, huh? Should've said something earlier. I'll make it worth your while."

Under the dim light, Blair's eyes went wide with fear, her pupils flickered with panic. That frightened look only twisted something darker in him.

"Get off me! Don't touch me!" she screamed.