I do. The Society does not let those who wander from the path they’ve laid out for them go unpunished. If they let them go at all.

Especially a woman.

Especially a woman ranked as low as we are.

“And they will find her. In time,” he adds.

I shudder at the thought and slip my fork and knife diagonally on my plate. I’ve lost my appetite.

“It’s been six years. They can’t…hurt her anymore,” I say. He remains silent. “Can they, Santiago?”

“They? Don’t you mean we?”

I just watch him. Is he trying to scare me? Or is he trying to figure out if I truly have information on her whereabouts? I don’t, and for the first time in six years, I’m glad I don’t because I have a feeling my husband can detect lies.

“You’ve gone pale.” He pushes his chair back, stands, and comes to pull my chair out. He holds his hand out to me.

I look at it, then up at him.

“Come, Ivy. I will put you to bed.”

25

Ivy

It was funny that he asked me if I was searching for which buttons to push when he knows exactly which to push for me.

He put me to bed after dinner last night, exactly as he said. Dressing me in a sexy silk slip, then taking care to rub salve into the tattoo, he tucked me in like a freaking child, knowing all along how angry it made me. He didn’t touch me apart from taking care of the tattoo. When I saw the negligée, I assumed there would be something, and the fact that I’m bothered by that is even more frustrating than the rest of it.

He’s a control freak. I know that. And I’m just one more thing he can and will control and that includes my pleasure too, I’m sure. And I’m also sure my defiance only makes him that much more determined.

I haven’t seen Santiago all day apart from the glimpse I caught of him getting into a little silver sports car and speeding off a few hours ago. I want to know where he went and who he’s with. Is he at a fancy dinner or an evening out on the town while I sit here night after night isolated and alone? Mercedes is gone too. I heard her telling Antonia she wouldn’t be back tonight. That’s at least a silver lining.

Which gives me the perfect chance to do some more exploring. Maybe check out some of those off-limits rooms. Because I found something I don’t think I was supposed to find today.

Antonia wishes me a good night, telling me she’s off to bed, and leaves the room. It’s almost ten, but I've been anxious to get going for hours.