Page 62 of Brutal Surrender

It’s her libretto, only I don’t understand the words.

“Hao yi duo meilì de mòlihua.”

But it’s her tune. I try to calm my crying to hear it.

“Fen fang meilì man zhi ya.”

Yes, yes! It’s the libretto, only in a different language.

“Yòu xiang yòu bái rén rén kua…Ràng wo lái jiang ni zhai xià.”

Tears still stream down my face, but I can breathe.

“Sòng gei biérén jia.”

The tune is so pretty, so pretty.

“Mòlihua ya mòlihua.”

Vincent sings it over again. I melt into the song. My body still quivers, but at least it’s not heaving. My breath is shaky, but I don’t feel like I’m going to suffocate anymore. I feel like a small child curled on his lap with my head against his chest.

My brain comes back online. For whatever reason, Vincent’s being caring at this moment. It can change in a second. I seem to trigger him like nothing. I should take advantage of this opportunity. My gaze drifts to the gun.

But it actually feels so good to be in his arms.

Are you crazy?! This is probably what domestic abuse victims go through. Don’t fall for it!

That’s right. Vincent isn’t capable of truly caring about anyone. He’s only using me.

Before I let the seduction of his embrace change my mind, I grab for the gun and free it from the holster. Vincent’s hand immediately clamps over mine.

Fuck. I’m done for.

I stare into his eyes, expecting to see rage on a whole new level. But he looks almost stone cold. His gaze penetrates deep into me.

“Would it give you peace to kill me?” he asks.

Yes! Peace! And freedom!

I don’t know why I think he’s asking this question sincerely. It’s an odd question for him to be asking me in the first place. He knows the answer anyway.

His hand still over mine, he moves the muzzle of the gun over his heart. My hand shakes so hard I might drop the gun if it weren’t for his steady and firm grasp. Why is he doing this?

Dio mio! Pull the trigger!

“Go on,” Vincent says softly.

I feel a hundred thoughts filling my head.

He’s just taunting you.

He’s testing you so he can punish you a hundredfold afterward.

He actually means it. He is capable of caring.

That’s crazy. He can’t.

Do it. Do it for Bella. For your family. For yourself. This man deserves to die.

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