Just as he was about to reach for the light on the nightstand, Clyde suddenly caught his arm, his grip firm and his tone grim.
"If you turn on that light," he said, his voice low and ominous, "I won't be responsible for your daughter's safety any longer."
Ryley's heart skipped a beat, the warning hitting him like a punch to the gut.
Hearing the sheer threat in Clyde's voice, Ryley felt a cold shiver run down his spine, his earlier resolve crumbling in the face of such ominous words.
How could this man change so fast? Just moments ago, he had been so gentle, so reassuring.
Yet now, he stood before Ryley like an entirely different person, his demeanor cold and unwavering.
"Lay down and sleep now," Clyde commanded, his tone brooking no argument. "If you take care of my daughter well, I will take care of yours the same."
Ryley's heart pounded in his chest, torn between fear and desperation.
