CH. 44

Karl let out a mocking bark of laughter that sent a chill skittering down my spine and made the fine hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.

"I don't believe for a second that's the whole story, Lavinia. That's just the sanitized, family-friendly version you're trying to feed me."

He whirled to face me again, his expression twisted into a mask of pure, unrestrained fury.

Hot steam was practically flaring from his flared nostrils as he glowered at me, his face mottling an alarming shade of purple from the force of his rage.

I could see the vein throbbing in his neck, bulging beneath the taut skin like a tiny captive heart trying to beat its way free.

"Now, you either tell me the full, unvarnished truth this instant or I swear to God, I'll make you regret every second of

He slammed his fist into the wall with a sickening crunch.

I flinched violently. A small cry escaped my lips as I shrank back against the door, certain he was about to turn that explosive violence on me next.