She was relieved that she hadn’t acted impulsively. When a woman is in a vulnerable position, the first thing she should do is protect herself and stay calm, not provoke danger in any way.

She tilted her head up, feeling the cold edge of the knife slide slowly across her cheek, like a snake slithering silently.

Emerald was so terrified she didn’t dare to breathe. She swallowed nervously, helpless against the tension building inside her.

The knife inched down her cheek, then to her neck, its tip pressing against her throat.

The silver blade gleamed coldly in the light. Emerald felt like prey caught by a predator, her body rigid...