Chapter 16 No Way Out

• Sara*****
• Max’s grip on me tightened, forcing me into his world where I had no say, no choice. The kiss lingered too long, long enough for the reporters to capture every agonizing moment. I felt trapped—not by him, but by the audience. By the need to make this public farce into something resembling reality. The cameras flashed as if they had the power to burn through the moments, capturing everything, even my helplessness.
• I broke the kiss, gasping for air, but Max didn’t let go of me. His arms wrapped tighter, as if to make a point, his smirk now the only thing I could focus on. "You see that?" he said, his voice low and menacing, meant only for me. "You’re mine, Sara. Whether you like it or not."