Sandy's POV
"W-what?" I stammered, feeling my pulse skip erratically.
Without warning, his hand shot out and captured mine. The contact sent an unwanted jolt through my system, like lightning racing beneath my skin. I couldn't suppress the sharp intake of breath that escaped me.
Charles drew me closer, his attention shifting downward. I followed his gaze and felt my jaw clench involuntarily.
His fingers found the darkened bruises circling my wrist. I watched as his grip tightened deliberately, his thumb pressing into the tender flesh where my pulse hammered frantically.
Pain bloomed across my skin, but I refused to give him the satisfaction of hearing me cry out.
"When you decided to run from me, you should have chosen a better destination. Instead, look where you ended up. Your situation has only deteriorated." His voice was barely above a whisper as his hold gradually eased. "Tell me, how does it feel knowing you've failed again, just like you always have?"
