UNCLE’S RULES 2

SOPHIA’S POV

I lasted four days.

Four days of Victor’s eyes following me across the kitchen, his voice a little rougher when he said good morning. Four nights of tossing in bed, fingers itching to disobey his no-touch order, but fear—and thrill—of punishment keeping me obedient.

On the fifth day, I snapped.

I waited until he rode out to check fences, then slipped into the barn. The air was thick with hay and leather. I found his private space in the loft—a locked cabinet I’d seen him open once. Curiosity won.

I picked the simple lock with a bobby pin (a trick learned from rebellious friends) and...