147. Damsel in Distress

Jacob groaned as he woke up again. Every inch of him ached, a painful reminder of the beating he’d endured. But through the fog of discomfort, one thought crystallized with fierce clarity: Tiffany. “I won’t give up,” he whispered, his voice raspy in the stillness. “Not on her. Not ever.” Jacob forced his eyes open. The cold seeped into his bones from the concrete floor, and he shivered. He had been in and out of consciousness for a while now, and he had no idea what time it was. “Your dad thinks he can keep us apart,” he said to the empty room, a hint of his usual cockiness creeping into his tone. “He has no idea what he is up against.” In his mind’s eye, he saw Tiffany’s face, worry etched across her delicate features. Jacob shifted, biting back a groan as he tried to find a more comfortable position. “I’ll endure anything for you, Tiff,” he whispered, his words a vow in the oppressive silence. Suddenly, a creak pierced the silence, the door’s rusty hinges groaning in protest. Jacob’s