Chapter 26

Trigger Warning: This scene contains a slight instance of sexual abuse. Reader discretion is advised.

Elara's POV

My heart pounds hard in my chest. Oh God, why does this always have to happen to me? My mind races, imagining all the things that could happen now that I’ve been caught in a place that’s clearly off-limits. I start to turn, but the voice shouts, “Do not turn around. Keep facing forward.”

I swallow, the action feeling almost painful. But I obey.

“So, are you going to tell me what you’re doing here, or do I have to call the police?”

I am frozen in my spot, unable to answer. My voice feels stuck in my throat. I don’t want to go to prison, but I also don’t want to be here alone with this person. I feel his gaze on my back, sending chills down my spine and raising goosebumps over my skin.

Maybe I should run, but the garden only has one exit right now, and if I try, I’ll just be cornering myself further into the construction site.

“Well, well, seems like the cat’s got