Chapter 20

Emily stood frozen, like a statue, even forgetting to breathe. James's eyes roamed over her face like a snake tasting the air, sending chills through her. Fear and hopelessness surged up from the pit of her stomach, spreading like wildfire to her hands and feet. He raised his other hand, like he was about to touch her face. Emily's eyes widened in panic, her body locked in place. Just then, James's expression shifted slightly. He dropped her hand and dodged to the side. Daniel's kick slammed into the doorframe he'd just stepped away from. "Run!” Daniel shouted, throwing himself at James. The shock jolted Emily out of her daze, her legs almost giving out beneath her. "Emily! Go!" Daniel barked again, catching a punch to the face as he fought. Biting her lip hard, she spun and bolted. She was the one James was really after—if she didn't escape, Daniel's efforts would be for nothing. She couldn't stand this suffocating control anymore. The thought of breaking free burned hotter than her f