He yanked me out of the car, impatient, and drove off without a backward glance.
The ache in my chest was beyond words.
The wind cut through me, and I couldn't stop shaking.
I'd barely pulled my collar tighter when two luxury cars came screaming down the road.
Kitty stepped out, flanked by a group of thugs.
"No cameras out here. Beat this shameless tramp until she can't stand."
"Oh, and don't touch the stomach. I still have plans for that."
One of them kicked my phone out of my hands before I could dial.
Kitty grabbed a fistful of my hair and slapped me across the face, seven, eight times.
"Juliana Henson, did I give you permission to get comfortable? You've been stuck to Darren like a parasite since we were kids."
"You actually conned him into visiting your dead parents on OUR anniversary? Do those pathetic ghosts of yours even deserve it?"
"Today I'm going to teach you what it means to know your place."
Kicks rained down on my body. Cigarette butts were ground into my arms, each one blistering the skin. My clothes were torn open, and they took photo after photo.
Someone kicked a phone within reach. My hand trembled as I stretched toward it and pressed the speed dial for my emergency contact.