Page 105 of Cruel Riches

“I’m not a killer. I swear. I wouldn’t have done it if I thought I had any other choice.”

His eyes narrowed. “You knew exactly what you were doing, Alexis. Knew right where to aim. The doctor said I would’ve died if the knife was just a fraction of an inch lower.”

“I know what it looks like, but that was the first time I’ve ever done anything like that,” I said. “I’ve never even stepped on a bug on purpose.”

“Sure.” He snorted and leaned down to grab my clothes. “Get dressed.”

“I’m not lying. I—”

Nate’s nostrils flared, and one hand went around my throat, squeezing until I choked. “Stop fucking testing me,” he growled. “Just do what I tell you.”

My pleas dried up in my throat, and I clamped my mouth shut. With clammy hands, I pulled on the clothes I was given earlier, moving as slowly as possible. I figured the longer I took, the more time I’d have without punishment.

When I was finally dressed, Nate unlocked the door and stuck his head out, checking the hall in both directions. “Let’s go,” he said, motioning to me.

I followed him out of the bathroom and turned right. He led me down the quiet hall, heading for the staircase landing in the center of the third floor.

When we turned a corner, a blonde woman almost bumped right into us, and her brows rose as she stepped back and stared at us.

“Nate,” she said, eyes flickering between us. “Who’s this?”

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