Page 152 of Haze of Obedience

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He steps forward and places his hand on my neck, so I have to look at him.

"Who was he?"

"Someone with the government."

"Which one?"

"I don't know."

In a calm voice, he says, "You know what I do to liars, Zoe?"

"Yes. But I didn't think you wanted me here to talk."

His eyes burn with evil and lust. He lowers his head, so his lips are next to mine. "What happened to your arm?"

"It was burned."

"Burned?"

"Hot water."

"Your skin is scarred."

"Yes."

"After tonight, you'll find a way to cover it up. I don't want to see it in that state ever again. Don't you ever let others see your imperfections. Do you understand?"

Silence.

"Answer me."

"I understand."

Don't hesitate.

He drops his towel, steps so close his erection presses against me, and I do my best not to react even though my insides are quivering. Scanning my face one last time, he squeezes my throat tighter and roughly kisses me.

All the times he's practically suffocated me while raping me rushes back, and I don't think. I only act.

I reach for the knife, grip it and slash his jugular, just as Dirk showed me how.

His eyes widen, and I slash the other side on the way back. He releases me and stumbles backward, holding his throat as blood pours everywhere.

"You bitch," he chokes.

Tears fill my eyes and my stomach pitches from the site of the blood. I cry out, "You're a monster."

Blood pools at his feet quickly, and he slumps to the ground.

For several minutes, I watch him suffer until I'm positive there is no life left in him.

And as much as I hate Jonas Torres, I stare at him in shock.

I just killed a man.

Don't breakdown.

Stay focused.

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