She had truly believed she’d never have to see that collar again but she’d been wrong.

Benedetto stepped closer and, without pause, fastened the collar around her neck. Her fingers clenched into fists, the urge to tear it off burning through her, but she forced herself to stay still.

He reached for the leash next, letting it dangle in his grasp rather than yanking it. “Come on,” he said, motioning for her to follow.

Silently, she trailed behind him as he led the way through the ...