Chapter 30

Rafael pulls something from his back pocket, and when I see the gleam of silver, a chill runs through my entire body. 

“You’re gonna bleed for what you did today,” he says, his voice low and menacing as he steps closer. The knife in his hand catches the dim light, and suddenly, every reckless decision I made up to this moment rushes back in brutal clarity. Panic grips me. I slide off the desk in a frantic attempt to escape, but I don’t make it more than a step before his arm is around my waist, dragging me back to him.

I thrash, wild and desperate, knowing I’m making things worse but not caring. I can’t let him win. But his strength overpowers me, and before I know it, we’re on the floor. His body hovers above mine, pinning me down. I keep fighting until I feel it—the cold edge of the blade pressed against my neck, right against my racing pulse.

“Fuck,” he breathes, the sound thick with amusement. “I should have you like this every time.” His voice is dark, laced w