I shook my head.
The sound came before the pain.
CRACK!
A sharp crack filled the room, then it hit. My back arched as the pain exploded across my skin, burning and tearing at the same time. I bit my lip hard to stop myself from crying out.
“Answer me. Are you taking it or not?”
I shook my head again.
Another strike. And another. Each one landed harder than the last. My body trembled, my hands pressing against the floor as I tried to stay upright.
Through the glass window, I could see outside. Hudson was there. Standing in the garden. His back facing this room. One hand in his pocket, the other holding his phone. His posture relaxed, like nothing in the world could touch him.
Then he laughed. Low, soft.
“…Amber,” I heard faintly through the glass.
Of course. Who else?
“Since you don’t understand,” Mrs. Hayes said coldly behind me, raising the strap again, “then I’ll beat it into you.”
The leather cut through the air and landed again. My vision started to blur. Pain spread everywhere, hot and overwhelming. I could feel something wet soaking through my clothes but I didn’t look.
“I w-won't,” my voice came out weak, barely there. “I won’t take it…”