NATHAN DEATH

I remember what he said when Regina was first brought here.“A brotherhood wife sleeps with him unless he decides otherwise.”

“I didn’t plan to … I fell asleep.” I stand and navigate my body carefully around his. “I’m going upstairs to pack.”

I don’t dare look at him as I hurry out the door, past the guard.

My foot lands on the step, and I immediately run the rest of the way to our bedroom. I know he won’t let me leave, and I must be crazy to think otherwise, but I’ll try anyway. I don’t have my own luggage, so I search in his closet. That’s not all I find. Behind a heavy wool dress coat, there’s a gun cabinet. I stare at them in rows shiny black and terrifyingly cold.

I cover them up with the coat again.

I drag the first empty suitcase out and toss it onto the bed when Alfredo enters the room. He walks slowly to the bed and watches me as I throw an armful of dresses into the case.

Where am I going to wear these things?Evening gowns made of silk and satin are too fancy for me to hide i