.

.

“You’re late,” he said quietly.

“I’m sorry, Daddy,” I said quickly, forcing a sweet smile. “Traffic was terrible and...”

He stood up slowly.

Before I could react, he crossed the room in two strides and slapped me hard across the face.

The force sent me stumbling backward into the wall. My cheek burned, and I tasted blood in my mouth.

“You think you can disobey me?” he snarled, grabbing my throat and slamming me against the wall. “After everything I’ve done for you? After I saved your pathetic life?”

“Damon— stop— I’m sorry!” I gasped, tears filling my eyes.

He slapped me again, harder this time, on the...