Page 75 of Auctioned to the Devil

Richard tries to cover his face.

I drag him up.

“You touched her.”

“Caleb!”

I hit him again.

“You fucking took her.”

“Stop!”

My hand closes around his throat.

Richard claws at my wrist.

I squeeze.

He can’t breathe.

Good.

“Caleb.”

Emily’s hand touches my shoulder.

I freeze.

“Look at me.”

I don’t.

“Please.”

That word does it.

I turn.

She’s crying.

Not because of Richard.

Because of me.

“Don’t do this,” she whispers. “Don’t give him the rest of your life too.”

My grip loosens.

Richard collapses into the snow.

Emily takes my hand.

“Come back to me.”

I stare at her.

Then I step away.