CHAPTER 8

Why must you do this, Jasper?" she asked in a whisper, but one laced with defiance. "Why can't you simply leave me alone?"

Jasper smirked, unfazed. "Because, Skylar, I know what you're hiding. And for as long as I do, you're mine to keep in check.

Skylar shivered, her defiance trembling at the weight of his words. Yet forcing herself, she met his gaze-a small fire dancing in hers. "You may have control over my secrets, Jasper, but you do not own me."

Jasper's eyes narrowed, the glint of his smile faltering for just a moment. "We shall see about that."

One morning, she scrolled through job postings on her phone; with every qualification she didn't meet, she felt her heart shrink just that much more. With the bills piling up and the developing need to get free from Jasper's clutches, her options seemed agonizingly limited. She was about to give up when her phone buzzed with a message.