Page 162 of Ignite

I fall back in my chair, blood drained from my face. I made her do this.

I controlled her. Watched her break.

I want to end this. Burst through that wall and rip the collar off her. Carry her out of there and wrap her in every piece of warmth I have to offer.

End the games and forget this part of my life ever existed.

But I can’t.

We are in Enzo’s debt. The Chase has to finish, and there has to be a winner. We have strict instructions not to fuck this up like Declan’s games.

And here? If she’s here, I know I can keep her safe. Because the only monster that can hurt her is me now.

A sound claws its way out of my throat. Something feral.

The timer blares. Ten minutes. To her, it must be the ultimate relief, but to me, it makes me feel sick.

Reggie opens the sauna door and removes her collar.

Hallie slumps forward and I’m frozen in my seat, hand shaking, chest heaving, staring at the woman I was supposed to protect…barely surviving the hell I created.

Oh my God. What have I done?

Chapter 57

HALLIE

I’m a trembling mess. My body is an inferno, but inside? I’m cold as fucking ice.

I was so close to losing everything there. And in a way, I did. I came so hard. Whoever had control of that toy knew how to play me.

And I feel disgusting. Like I’ve betrayed Conan and myself. I might have gained a sliver of freedom, yet it’s only trapped me inside my own mental hell harder.

I stumble towards the table to catch my breath.

Everything is becoming a fucking blur. Why are they doing this?

The guard strides over to me and hands me a bottle of water. I snatch it out of his ginormous hands and pull the bottom of my mask up.

Oh my god, it feels so good to breathe in just air.

That sauna was so claustrophobic in the mask, I’m surprised I didn’t pass out. The distraction from the toy was my only savior there.

I gulp it down in one go. The nicest water I’ve ever drank.

It’s eerily quiet. My heavy breathing is the only noise.

I don’t want to leave this cabin. It feels safe here.

I should be elated. I'm through to the next round, another step towards winning. But all that consumes me is dread.

Being chased. Fighting to survive.

I could die.

The guard opens the front door, and a gush of cold air envelops me, making me shiver.

Taking a deep breath, I walk out of here and back into the dark night, following this stranger into the depths of the woods.

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