Chapter 4

I woke to a familiar, cramping pain that started low in my abdomen and radiated outward like molten lead through my veins. The sheets beneath me were damp with sweat despite the cool air conditioning of my luxurious prison. My body curled instinctively into itself, a futile attempt to escape the agony.

"No, not now," I whispered, pressing my palms against my stomach. Of all the times for my period to start, it had to be here, in this place, with this man who already thought I was lying about everything.

I tried to stand, thinking I could somehow find…