Chapter 39

FRANKIE

My hands grip the marble counter, knuckles white as I force myself to stand upright. Every movement sends shockwaves of pain through my body, reminders of Rafael's savage punishment. The bathroom's harsh lighting exposes everything – the angry marks where his belt bit into my neck, the shadows under my eyes from a night of fitful sleep.

My reflection stares back, and I trace the tender spots on my skin. This wasn't like his other punishments. This was different – raw and primal, fueled by something darker than just anger. Something in him had snapped when I dared to suggest he cared when I challenged his control. The memory of last night makes me shudder, my body still aching from his brutality.

I shift my weight, wincing as fresh waves of discomfort wash over me. He meant to break me, to remind me of my place in his world. But even now, facing the evidence of his fury in my reflection, I can't bring myself to regret my words. He needed