Maya's POV
I huddled on the couch, tears streaming down my face as I prayed desperately for someone to find me. My body throbbed with pain from the earlier beating Claire had inflicted. The bruises were forming, each one a reminder of her cruelty. My brief solitude was short-lived as the door swung open again. Claire returned, her face twisted with malicious glee.
"I'm back, little rat!" She announced, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "Your brother Cole wants to negotiate with me. Do you know what that means? It means I'm getting everything I want."
Her laughter filled the room before her hand cracked across my already swollen cheek. The sting brought fresh tears to my eyes.
"You know, Maya, I'm really going to miss beating you. It's so therapeutic." She struck me again, harder this time, seeming to savor the sound of flesh against flesh.
