Her knees threatened to buckle as his fingers brushed lower, his belt clinking when he reached for the buckle. “Get on your knees, little lapochka. I won’t repeat myself,” he hissed, with a cruel grin

Tears burned the corners of her eyes. The world tilted. If she obeyed, she’d lose the little shred of dignity she had left. If she resisted, he could ruin everything—Montez, the partnership, her chance at redemption.

“Please,” she begged, her voice ...