GINA HARNES GUARDIAN

I opened my mouth to speak, only to shut it back in fear when I realized what I was just about to do. I’d signed a contract with Ethan, and it clearly demanded discretion about our relationship. If I told Vivian about our relationship, and that Ethan was the man in that video, I might face legal charges, and worse—Ethan might send me back to jail. If I went back to jail, I’ll be leaving my mother completely at the hands of Vivian. No…no, I cannot afford for that to happen. Vivian would kill my mother without any hesitation. “I don’t know his name,” I said. My voice sounded low, as I trembled in fear of what Vivian might do to me. I watched as Vivian’s lips twisted into a dark snarl, she whipped the belt high in the air, as the thick leather landed on my back again, this time—bringing a searing pain that ran straight to my brain along with it. I gasped, tears falling from my eyes uncontrollably now. “Do you take me for a fool, Leah? Do I look like one to you?” She hissed, bringing the b