Pedro exhaled slowly, wiping a hand across his face, smearing the blood even more. “You are scaring me, Pedro” I choked out.

“And now?” His lips curled, his gaze dragging over my shaking form. “so you can be sacred but did not hesitate to remind me of how much of a spineless dingbat I was, cariño?”

I couldn’t answer.

Pedro sucked his tongue. “You act so brave when you’re throwing things. Running. Hiding.” He took another step closer. “But now I’m right in front of you?” He crouched, his voice dropping to a whisper. “You’re acting like a frightened little girl?.”

Tears slipped down my face.

“Please,” I tried again,...