Page 100 of While He Breathes

I lift my arm to swipe a layer of lip gloss onto my too-pale lips.

Something that’s become glaringly apparent since I was shoved into this room to get ready is that the doctor didn’t thinkit was necessary to use anything to numb my cervix before he pulled the IUD out.

When I had it put in, I had no feeling until the following day. But this time, no such luck.

Asshole.

Deciding it’s as good as it gets, I lower myself to the corner of the bed and allow my eyes to trail over my face. Even with the makeup that they provided, I’m too pale, and it’s obvious even to my own eyes that I’ve lost weight.

When was the last time they gave me food?

It had to be at least a couple of days ago, and the only water I’ve been given has been sparse as well.

I lean forward and drop my head into my hands. This can’t be how I go out. Can it?

After everything I’ve done, everything I’ve fought for, I’m still being forced into a marriage I don’t want.

What was the point of it all?

I swallow down the despair that tries to wash over me.

It’s not over until it’s over. There’s still a chance…until there isn’t.

Something niggles in the back of my mind, and my entire body tenses.

Elsie said there are more blades around here. That she hid them all over the place.

Without hesitation, I drop to my knees and press my fingers along the edge of the base of the bed.

When that comes up empty, I eye the bedside table and follow the same motion. Why didn’t I ask about the locations of others when I had the chance?

I round the bed and try the other side, but when that comes up empty as well, my shoulders drop as hope begins to fade.

Was it too much to think she might have hidden more than one in here?

The picture frame in the corner catches my eye, and I step toward it more out of instinct than decision. The ugly flower painting inside is generic and cheap, but there’s something about it that calls to me.

The glass has been removed, but when I pluck it off the wall and find a blade taped against the plywood, I could cry with relief.

Footsteps in the hallway tell me I’m running out of time, and I quickly shove the blade into the top of my dress, ignoring the bite of pain when it nicks me as I hang the painting back onto the wall.

By the time the door swings open, I’m twirling the tulle around in front of the mirror like any other blushing bride would.

It’s not over until it’s over. And I’m not ready to give up just yet.

Cain marches me up the same flight of stairs he did earlier and straight out into the blistering afternoon sun.

The sudden burst of bright light forces my eyes shut, but he doesn’t slow down as he drags me toward the black SUV parked a few yards away.

I trip over the dress with every step I take, but he doesn’t seem to notice, or maybe he just doesn’t care.

“No more funny business,” he growls as he shoves me toward the back door, and I barely manage to catch myself.

I glance back at him before tugging the door open and climbing inside. Even such a small amount of activity has my body heaving, and I curse how much fitness I’ve lost in less than a week.

I meet Lucas’s eye across the car a moment before they drag over me hungrily.

“A perfect whore in virginal white,” he murmurs to himself before returning his attention to his phone.