I felt him stiffen against my back, and I continued on, knowing I was hurting him, but also knowing I had no choice. “The only thing I wanted from you was your money so I could buy my freedom.” I paused, waiting to see what he would do. But he didn’t ease up the pressure of his weight against me. “I don’t want you,” I gritted through my teeth. “Just let me go, Enzo.”

Seconds ticked by with agonizing slowness. I started to worry I’d gone too far. But then, suddenly, he pushed himself off of me. I sucked in a deep breath of cold air and braced myself to...