I am desperate for freedom, for peace, and for justice. As I leave captivity and step into the bright sun-filled day, a wave of relief washes over me. I am not free yet, though. Walking between barbed wire topped walls toward the exit gate, I breathe in fresh air, preparing for the next challenge. An enemy posing as a lover waits for me. I will evade him, though.

Robert Maxim meets me at the prison gate, his smile predatory and victorious. I blank my mind. If I think about my plan, Robert will see it on my face. He expects me to do something—it's part of the fun for him. Is this fun for me, too? Robert captures my hand, pulling it into his lap.

"Sydney," his voice is serious, and I turn to look at him.

"I recognize this isn't what you wanted." I huff a laugh.

"You're so observant Robert, was it the threat of giving birth in prison, or just the regular old forcing me to marry you?"

I hold my chin with my free hand, pretending to be really thinking.

"I wonder if I'm being triggered by the fact that you're treating me like an object rather than a person."

"Sydney," his voice is lower now, a warning. I have to look away to keep the thoughts bubbling up in my mind hidden from him. You will learn that I am not an object. Only a thinking, feeling, sentient being can ruin you the way I plan to.

P.S. The dog does not die.

Beware: If you can’t handle a few f-bombs, you can’t handle this series.