Chapter 68

Olivia Martins

I was off the bed in an instant, adrenaline cutting through the fog. I caught her before she made it to the handle, grabbing her wrist and yanking her back. She let out a startled gasp, but I didn’t let go. I spun her, my arm hooking tightly around her neck from behind, my hand pressing against her throat just enough to remind her that I could end her here if I wanted to. She whimpered, frozen in fear.

I pulled her closer, her back flush against my chest, my grip firm. “If I were you,” I whispered, my voice low and sharp. “I’d start talking. Or I’ll rip your damn throat out.”

I held her tightly, my arm a vice around her throat, every nerve in my body pulsing with adrenaline.

“I-I’ll talk,” she choked out, voice shaking.

I eased the pressure slightly, just enough for her to breathe without slipping from my grip. “Then start.”

The maid collapsed to the floor when I let go, catching herself on trembling hands. Her lips moved, no