Page 142 of By His Rule

I’m immediately assaulted with even more message notifications from Matt.

“This arrangement will be mutually beneficial for both of us. It’ll get Matt off your back…”

“Jesus.” As if Kian wasn’t messing with my head enough already.

The lights above me flicker, and my heart jumps into my throat.

I can’t be stuck in here in the dark. I just can’t.

Swallowing thickly, I unlock my cell and open my contacts.

I do have other people I could call in an emergency, but it’s Kian’s contact I find myself staring at.

My thumb hovers over the call button.

Even if he has left, he’ll be the closest person.

Suddenly, I’m plunged into darkness.

I stumble back, colliding with the wall as the space around me instantly begins closing in.

My cell ensures it’s not completely dark, but one look at the battery and I know it’s not going to help me for very long.

Before time runs out, I hit call.

“You’ve reached Kian Callahan. Please leave a message, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.”

“Motherfucker,” I hiss, watching in horror as my cell dies in my hands. “FUUUUCK,” I sob, wrapping my arms around myself protectively.

Sliding down the wall, I tuck my legs against my chest and rest my head on my knees. Instantly, I’m six again, and the shouts and screams I remember all too well echo around me.

Ice fills my veins, making my entire body tremble.

I was useless then, and I’m useless now. Unless someone in this building realizes the elevator is out and calls for help, I’m fucked.

I’m going to be here all night.

A loud sob bubbles up my throat as the sound of Mom’s screams haunts me just like they used to every night back then.

Screams. Slaps. Sobs. Punches. Grunts. Moans. Threats.

Without realizing it, tears are streaming down my cheeks as I relive everything I’ve worked so hard to forget.

What is Kian thinking? I’m not the woman he wants to be faking anything with.

I’m just a broken little girl who is the product of her shitty upbringing.

I can’t stand beside a man like him.

I don’t belong in the world he inhabits.

I’m no one.

Just a broken little girl trying to outrun her nightmares.

34

KIAN

---