Page 22 of Psycho

“So pretty,” he said softly, his hot breath fanning over my face. I shuddered in disgust.

He let one hand drift down, his fingers tracing along my jawline, down my neck, where I was sure he could feel my pulse jump from fright. He wrapped his hand around my neck, and I glanced at him without turning my head.

He grinned.

I held my breath when he squeezed slightly, my fists balling by my side, though I didn’t react. I didn’t give him what he wanted.

“You’ve taught her well,” Tyler said to Dad without looking away from me.

His hand shifted down between my breasts and settled heavily on my stomach.

I held my breath.

“Soon,” he said ominously. “Once we win this war, you’re mine.”

Finally, he pulled away from me, and I let out a deep breath.

He walked over to Dad, slapped him lightly on the cheek, and walked out, the door closing behind him loud in the small space between us.

I turned to Dad.

“Who was that?” I asked.

His eyes flashed—a warning I didn’t heed. Something told me it was important for me to learn about who this man was.

“I told you, Tyler Robbins.”

I took a step forward. “But what is he doing here? And what is he talking about—soon?What’s soon?”

Dad sat down in his chair and lit up a new cigarette.

“Dad.”

“Just mind your business, girl, and keep doing what you’re supposed to do.”

Being subservient to him, he meant.

I shook my head. “This is my business. Obviously, whatever you guys have planned involves me.”

“Lainey,” he said, his voice short and impatient.

“Dad. Who—”

I let out a scream when I felt the burn of the cigarette on my arm. I tried to move away, but I wasn’t fast enough.

I didn’t even see the backhanded slap.

I fell from the force and looked up at him with blurry eyes, my hand coming up and cupping my left cheek where he had slapped.

He stood up, and I pushed backward on my legs. He came up to me and bent down so that we were at eye level, his hand wrapped fully around my neck.

“Didn’t I tell you to mind your own business, girl?” he asked, squeezing.

My hands came up, and I clawed at him, trying to get him to lessen his grip.

I choked as I felt him squeeze even harder, cutting off air.

Fuck, I’d done it now.

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