Page 22 of Vengeful Valentine

And then another.

Forceps.

“You might not know this, but I work at the local hospital now. They were graceful enough to let me borrow some things.” Silas’s heart beat in excitement as he found the last item he needed.

Fabric scissors.

She would need to be naked for this next step.

This woman had sent his brother to jail.

She had broken his heart.

She had made him into a fool.

She had stolen the promise of a family.

“I also was able to peruse some records. I saw you had an IUD put in a few months back.” He spun suddenly, brandishing the scissors.

Again he expected begging, screaming, pleading.

Maybe even justquestioningwhat he was going to do to her.

But she remained silent.

Watching him with a dark intensity.

It infuriated him.

She shifted and a clinking noise pulled his attention. On her left wrist hung the puzzle piece bracelet they all had, and it caused a wet slap of annoyance to hit him in the face.

Why is she still wearing that?

Pushing that thought aside, for the first time since stepping into this, he examined her fully.

She was skinny,too skinny.

Blotched swollen skin, developing into bruises lined every inch of her skin; Ace’s work.

Her face gaunt, scars he didn’t remember adorned her cheek, her lip, above her left eye.

Where did those come from? What is going on with her? She left for the university just as she wanted. She doesn’t get to be pitied for it. It was HER choice.

He reached forward, his free hand wrapping around her hair that was hanging below her. It was dyed a dark purple blue, reminiscent of the flowers on the table.

The thought whipped him back to reality.

He leaned over her lips as if to kiss her, but instead pushed his masked forehead against hers. Forcing her to look him in the eyes.

“You promised me a future with you. Vowed that you would be mine. You lied to me, Ashmine.”

“I didn’t. Just as I will continue to tell you. But you won’t listen to me. Won’t hear what I have to say.” Her voice was steady. Devoid of any inflection.

“I don’t fucking want to hear it! Your sweet lies broke me once before, but not again!” he snapped back.

Without further hesitation, he used the scissors to cut her disgusting dress.

He started at her chest and, maneuvering around the restraints, cut all the way to the bottom.

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