TWENTY-SEVEN

CLARISSA

"S... S... STAY B... BACK," Clarissa stuttered, fearfully pointing her index finger at a smirking Zachary who appeared in front of her, as she shuffled back.

"Too late now, little Rose. You lost your chance to bargain when you disobeyed my orders in the first place," Zach calmly said and in a blink of an eye, his smile vanished.

Without thinking, Clarissa took off, trying to rush past Zach and possibly catch him off guard.

However, it seemed like he was already prepared for whatever stunt she might pull as he kicked the door close and grabbed her at the same time. He began carrying a struggling Clarissa into her living room.

"Let go of me now, Zachary!" Clarissa demanded.

He deposited her onto the couch and stood over her. Clarissa tried to stand up again but he held her arm, pushing her back onto the couch.

He breathed out exasperated, sounding like he was tired of her. Clarissa hoped he would get annoyed and go away.

"Save your strength, Rosette, I will grab you befor