My heart had shattered into a million pieces. I had single-handedly killed my best friend. All because I was stupid enough to think I could call for help. Because I was too weak to find my own way out and always needed someone else to save me.

I was an awful friend.

All she ever did was protect me, take care of me, and love me unconditionally despite everything I had put her through. And how did I return the favor? By signing her death warrant via email.

Why did I have to do that? Why couldn’t I have let it be and just read my cheesy romance novels?

My stomach growled at me. It had been hours, and I still refused to eat the food Julian had left behind. I had no appetite after what I had done. I was too distraught to think about food. And I didn’t deserve it. I deserved to starve, a slow and agonizing death. Even in death, I knew I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself.

But allowing myself to die wasn’t the answer.

Maybe I could find a way to fix this. I needed to find a way to convince Julian to change his mind, to let Kiera live. Then I would do anything. Even if it meant allowing him to take out his anger on me in whatever way he pleased.

But he wouldn’t find pleasure in abusing a corpse.

With renewed resolve, I knew I had to live. I had to fight for her like she always fought for me. All I needed to do was distract him enough for him to forget all about Kiera. I would live out my life by his side, as his pet, as long as she was able to live.

Not knowing when he would be back, I decided to eat. This could be the last meal I got in a very long time, so I needed to get what sustenance I could while I could.

I picked at thick French toast, dipping it into the cold maple syrup before letting it grace my tongue. I couldn’t get myself to use his fancy silverware. It felt wrong after witnessing his raging outburst.

As delicious as the food was, the thought of Kiera dying swarmed my thoughts. It all left a bad taste in my mouth, and I had to force piece after piece down my throat, willing myself to eat every last bite.

Once the plate was polished off, I went to wash my hands and brush my teeth. Even comb my hair. I had to keep myself busy. If I sat there and let my thoughts take over, I would sob uncontrollably. The fear that my dearest friend might be dead right now because of me clawed at the remaining shards of my heart.

I paced the room, anxiously awaiting news of Kiera. Maybe he would keep her as a pet as well if he found her, like he was keeping me. It wasn’t the most ideal situation to be in, and I wouldn’t wish it on anybody. But at least she wouldn’t be dead. She would hate me. And I wouldn’t blame her. But she would be alive.

After hours of pacing, emotional breakdowns, and millions of tears, I heard footsteps approach my door.

I stood there, frozen, holding my breath as the metal clanks of the locks flipped over and the door slowly swung open.

Julian stepped in and locked the door behind him. He turned to me, and I immediately noticed his eyes. They were the soft, gentle blue I had grown to adore. His entire demeanor had shifted and he appeared to have settled his nerves.

I wasn’t sure if it was the right time to ask, but the question plagued me. I had to know.

“I-Is she still alive?” I whispered. Tears blurred my vision and I wrung my fingers, anxiously awaiting a response.

Squaring his stance, he crossed his arms over his chest and glared at me, watching me thoughtfully as if trying to decide whether to tell me his news or not.

“Lucky for you, my men have yet to locate her,” he stated flatly. “So for now, yes. She is still alive.”

Tears slid down my puffy cheeks. I let out a staggering breath and clutched my hand to my chest as if to grasp my trembling heart.

She was still alive!

“Promise me you’ll tell me when you… find her.” I could only pray that he wouldn’t really kill her if he did manage to locate her, but I knew better. Either way, I needed to know when he did it.

He merely offered me a single nod. But I could tell something else was on his mind. A sinister plan was concocting in that dark mind of his. I could feel it.

And by the mischievous smile playing across his lips, I knew I was right.

“What are you thinking?” I asked bashfully. I wanted to know. I needed to. But it terrified me to learn what was really brewing in his thoughts.

Julian slowly strode over towards me, stopping just inches away from my chest. His large frame towered over me, making me feel weak and insignificant. The sweet, musky smell of his cologne filled my lungs and he hovered in such close proximity.

“What am I thinking,” he repeated as he dragged a single finger down my throat, trailing down my chest and between my breasts. He licked his lips as his dark gaze raked over me.

“I’m thinking about how much pleasure I am going to derive from punishing you.”

A lump formed in my throat as my heart wreaked havoc behind my ribcage.

His hand disappeared behind his back and produced a black sack.

Anxiety threatened to suffocate me. What was he planning on doing?

Before I could ask, he slipped the satin sack over my head, completely clouding me in darkness and grabbed me by the throat. He pressed his cheek to mine, letting out a deep growl as he flexed his fingers around my pulsing neck.

“I’m sure you will find it pleasurable,” he hissed in my ear. “Well, parts of it anyway.” His deep chuckle sent a shiver down my spine.

God, help me.