{GIANNA}
The slap lands as soon as the elevator doors seal my fate, the force hard enough to snap my head sideways. Pain explodes in my cheek, but I inhale sharply, blinking back the tears that immediately sting my eyes.
I stare blankly at the wall, refusing to look at him or touch my burning cheek.
The first time he ever hit me, I made the mistake of reacting—raising my hand to my face in shock—and it only earned me another slap. Now I know better. Lock down all reactions. Don't give him the satisfaction.
The slap held no real shock anyway. I knew this was coming. What I truly dread is what's waiting for me at home.
Dario.
I wrecked his favorite car, and I know he won't let me off the hook. My cousin isn't that type at all. He finds too much sick pleasure in causing me pain.
