Chapter 4

Through a crack in the door, I saw Eric and a few others walking away.

I crawled toward them as fast as I could, the chain around my neck tightening painfully.

"Eric!"

My voice was hoarse and barely a whisper.

I dug my fingers into my thigh, forcing my voice louder.

"Eric! Eric! Save me!"

Eric stopped in his tracks.

"Who's there?"

The man who had torn my nails out spoke with a sickly-sweet tone. "She's such a stubborn one. I gave her a taste of pain, yet she still refuses to behave."

Eric's brows furrowed. "Who are you talking about?"

"It's my wife. She's unhappy that I'm working for you as she's afraid I don't make as much money as before. She keeps giving me trouble."

Eric's gaze darkened slightly as he looked at the trail of blood at the door.

"Sir, sorry for the filth. She hurt her leg yesterday, and she tried running off just now, so…"

Eric didn't approve of their methods.

But since he had just arrived, he let it slide.

He was about to leave.

This was my last chance.

I summoned every ounce of strength left and ripped the other end of the chain free.

Then, I flung the door open and collided with Eric.

Before I could speak, he kicked me and sent me flying away.

Then, he stared at the blood on his leg with disgust. Eric had always been a clean freak and hated gore.

All these years, he had never done anything illegal.

Even though he saw that I was filthy, he still looked at me thoughtfully.

But I hadn't expected the man who claimed to be my husband to react faster than I did. He lunged, covering my mouth. Even as I bit him until blood ran from his wound, he didn't release me.

"Sir, she's mentally unstable. I'll take care of her immediately."

"Don't kill her."

"Rest assured, sir. We take care of everything in a legal way."

I shook my head violently, trying to reveal my face. I was so close.

Eric's gaze lingered on my face for a split second, then recoiled as if disgusted.

"Handle it quickly."

"Yes, we'll clean it up immediately."

The man dragged me back. His eyes were blood-red with frustration, probably because he had never known anyone as enduring as me.

"You're the first in all these years who almost got away. You like screaming? I'll cut your tongue out and see how you scream then! Hold her down!"

I felt utterly dejected. Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably.

The men jeered at me, laughing at the fact that even a stubborn woman like me knew how to cry.

But they knew better now and didn't let their guard down.

They held my head, forced my mouth open, and yanked out my tongue.

A sharp blade was pressed against it, causing pain to explode through my mouth. All I could make was a low, miserable whimper through my throat.

The man sneered, "This is what happens when you bite me. I'd rather lose money than not get my fun with you!"

At the critical moment, Stella suddenly appeared.

She was dressed in a perfectly tailored outfit, looking completely out of place in the cramped, grimy room.

But she acted as if she didn't even notice the grime as she strode over and looked down at me. Her hand snaked around the leading man's waist, pulling him closer.

"Why haven't you sent her off yet, Luke?" she said, tugging at his belt.

Luke pressed a kiss to her lips. They clung together in front of me, kissing each other fervently. Only after a long moment did he pull his hands away from her.

"So, how do you want to handle her?"