Tonia's POV
Bradley's reaction to my words held no surprise. Why would it? He understood exactly how much destruction he had brought into my world.
His very presence made my flesh crawl with revulsion. Every second in this room dragged me back to that horrific night when his cruelty nearly destroyed me completely. The memory of his violence still haunted my dreams. This man was nothing but a predator in disguise.
Only an idiot would believe his sudden display of concern was genuine. He needed something from me, and I refused to be his pawn again.
The silence stretched between us like a taut wire ready to snap. I decided to end this charade and moved toward the door.
"I cannot allow you to leave, Tonia." His statement froze me mid-step.
I spun around, my eyebrows drawing together in frustration. "You might not understand it yet, but I am trying to shield you from harm."
"I do not want your pathetic protection! Have I not made myself clear enough?"
