“Baby, it makes my heart sing to hear you say that.” He runs a hand along my arm, and it makes me jump. I imagine myself cracking his fingers in my bare hands, pulling them so far back they snap. But I don’t. “You know how happy I am to see you. I saw you at that party. I heard what that man said to you, and I want you to know I’m not mad. I’m not mad you let someone else touch what’s mine.”

Tears prick behind my eyes and my throat begins to sting. It dawns on me that I was never out of Hugo’s clutches, not really. He still has me exactly where he wants me.

“Know why I’m not mad, baby? Because I was talking with the people at that party, and I heard what you’ve done. Working for that rich lady. They think she left you something in her will. Baby, this would be great for our new start.” He presses his face against mine, and I can’t stop shivering.

“But—”

“I spoke with the old lady...uh, Ruby. Then, I shared some cake with that sweet little girl, Lucy. And I shook hands with her dad. Savannah, you’ve been such a good girl.”

Tears pool in my eyes, but I don’t move. I know this part very well. This is Hugo making his threat known. Putting it on me. He’s naming the people he knows mean a lot to me. He’s making it very clear that he holds the cards in this game, and if I don’t cooperate…and someone gets hurt, it will be my fault.

“Let me get my things,” I whisper.

“You can’t go before they read the will, Savannah.” His tone is harsh now. He’s scolding me, but his hands are still caressing my back, running his fingers through my hair, and I know he wants more, but I can’t move. What would I do if he tried to kiss me here? How would I stop him?

Easy. I wouldn’t. I can’t risk stirring up his temper.

“I’ll pick you up at the house tomorrow.” He leans in and runs his tongue along my cheek, and I can’t hold back the squeak as my body tenses. “Just after they read the will. Then, you and I will be together again with the fresh start we both need. I’m going to miss you, baby,” he whispers against my face.

I don’t move. His words don’t register. He’s letting me go. I can go back inside.

“Go inside, Savannah,” he barks at me. “And keep that pretty mouth of yours shut.”

He smacks my ass, and I flinch before turning and running inside.