Chapter 41

FRANKIE
My hands grip the marble counter, knuckles white as I force myself to stand upright. Every movement sends shockwaves of pain through my body, reminders of Rafael's savage punishment. The bathroom's harsh lighting exposes everything – the angry marks where his belt bit into my neck, the shadows under my eyes from a night of fitful sleep.
My reflection stares back, and I trace the tender spots on my skin. This wasn't like his other punishments. This was different – raw and primal, fueled by something darker than just anger. Something in him had snapped when I dared to suggest he cared when I challenged his control. The memory of last night makes me shudder, my body still aching from his brutality.