Chapter 73

The pit in my stomach grew, knowing how much Carmine would be hurt by whatever Clyde was planning to say next. I could almost see it in my mind: the hope in Carmine’s eyes shattering, replaced by the raw pain of betrayal. That’s exactly what Clyde wanted—to destroy any sliver of hope either of us might have had.

“Stop!” I whispered sharply, the words escaping my lips before I could even think. My voice was hoarse, strained with the effort of keeping my emotions in check. I knew shouting would only feed into his sick pleasure, so I tried to hold back the rage simmering inside me. But it was impossible to mask the desperation in my tone.

Clyde’s smirk deepened, that familiar proud and taunting smile spreading across his face—the one that made my blood boil. He was reveling in this moment, thoroughly enjoying the power he held over me. He had me cornered, and he knew it. It was infuriating, knowing that no matter what I said or did, he was always one step ahead, always pulling the stri