“Who ordered the contract?” Admir asks again. “Carson,” Hailey cries. “Tell him.” I can’t. “Beat her,” Admir orders. “Carson!” Hailey’s terrified scream kills me. It drains the light I’ve managed to find with her from my life. I’m sorry, baby. The sounds of their fists connecting with her skin pummel my soul to dust. Christ. Alexei, faster. Suddenly it stops, and there’s only a broken whimper from Hailey. She can’t take much more. I’m out of time.
