Page 26 of Stiletto's Savior

He can break my bones.

He can violate me.

But he will never break my spirit.

He laughs, a low, twisted sound. “Feisty today, aren’t we? You think you’re so clever.”

“Better than being your puppet.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.” He steps closer, the beam of light cutting through the gloom. “You’re only here because I let you be.”

I grit my teeth.

The ache radiates through my limbs, but I refuse to show weakness. Not now. Not ever.

He leans over me, his shadow swallowing the small space I occupy. “You’re all alone, and I can do whatever I want to you.”

A shudder runs through me. I can’t let him see my fear. I look away, focusing on the peeling paint on the wall.

“Do what you want.” My voice trembles, but I push through. “You’ll never break me.”

“Is that right?”

Before I can brace myself, he grabs my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes.

The pressure sends a jolt of pain through my skull, and I bite down harder on my lip.

Blood wells up, mixing with the dried remnants.

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep,” he sneers, releasing me with a shove.

I stumble back, panting.

“Just wait,” I murmur, more to myself than to him.

Before The Commander can ask me anything, an argument starts upstairs.

Voices raised, men shouting.

I strain to listen, confusion swirling in my mind.

Gunshots follow, loud and jarring.

My heart races, pounding against my ribcage.

The Commander quickly rushes upstairs and there’s a momentary silence.

Dread washes over me, paralyzing me, practically turning me to stone.

I need to know what the fuck is going on.

“Please...” I mutter, squeezing my eyes shut. “Please let this be it.”

The cold seeps deeper into my bones.

The ache from the cuts all over my body reminds me they’re still there, festering under the surface.

Dried blood pulls at my lip, and I wish I could wipe it away.

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