Chapter 101. The Baby

Joan POV

He starved me—true to his words. I didn’t know how long I’d been here, tied and aching.

It must be the early hours of the morning by now. Aaron had to know I was missing. He’d be searching, but how would he ever find me? I didn’t even know where I was.

My wrists burned from the rope chafing my skin, my head throbbed, and my eyes felt too heavy to keep open.

God, I wanted to sleep. I longed to be safe in Aaron’s arms, but closing my eyes here felt like asking for death.

The room was quiet, for now. But if I dared to fall asleep, who knew what could happen?

I shifted slightly and glanced at the man hanging upside down across from me. There was barely any life left in him. How long had he been like this, tortured and tied up?

I didn’t care—but part of me was curious. After all, this was the first time I’d met my father.

“How long have you been here?” I asked, my voice quiet.

He didn’t answer. For a moment, I thought