Jayvaughn's grip loosened when he finally felt Brisa's body beginning to go limp under his hand. The moment he let go, she stumbled backward, gasping for air, clutching her throat as violent coughs shook her body. She coughed for a while, her body trembling with each breath, before she finally managed to draw in a steady inhale. As soon as she regained her composure, she scrambled away from him like a frightened animal, keeping her wide, tearful eyes locked on his face.
But Brisa was not one to give up easily. She tried to gather the remnants of her pride, her voice shaking yet sharp as she said, "Does Aunt Dayonna know what you are doing to me? Does your grandmother know? When I get out of here, I will tell them everything. I will tell them how you nearly killed me!"
