(Warning: The following chapter contains domestic abuse)
The study always smelled of cedar wood and whiskey, and tonight was no different. I stood behind the sofa, my fingers gripping the back of it so hard that my nails dug into the velvety fabric.
Even the voice in my head has grown silent, I guess it's just me to my fate, as it was. I knelt down without a word of protest.
My stomach churned. I knew what was coming, what always came when his voice turned low and sharp, like the edge of a blade.
"You think you can embarrass me in front of the Spencer family? Love Letters? How ridiculous. You're already engaged to Mr. Mallow, what were you trying to do?" He asked with sickening contempt, his words slurring just enough to make him more terrifying. I stared at the floor, willing myself not to flinch as he moved toward the wall. My breath hitched when I saw him take the whip. He didn't even need to say anything else.
