Chapter 3

"Wait," he said suddenly.

I froze mid-step but did not turn around.

"Stay tonight," he said, his voice low, with a barely noticeable rasp.

I closed my eyes. Shame washed over me, drowning me in an instant.

He was to marry another, and on the night before his wedding, he wanted me in his bed.

This was his final claim on me, his last act of humiliation.

He wanted me to know that even though he was going to cast me aside, I would still be his.

My hands, at my sides, clenched into fists, nails biting into my palms.