Lara's POV
"Am I clear, Lara?" His voice cut through the stillness inside the car, sharp and commanding, the same voice he used on his warriors. Not on his wife. Not on the woman who once believed he would cherish her.
My fingers curled against my knees as fury and pain twisted inside my chest until it felt hard to breathe. He did not even look at me as a partner. He looked at me like someone who owed him obedience. And the cruelest part was that he was right. I had no choice. Not if I wanted my family safe.
"Yes," I whispered, but the tremble in my voice slipped through my attempt at control. "Mr Blackwell, please. Do not hurt my family. I beg you."
Saying his name like that felt wrong, almost humiliating, but I needed control more than pride. My entire body shook, yet I kept my chin high. He would not see me break. Not again.
