Nerves kept her quiet as they walked through the hotel back towards her room. Memories of the last time played on an endless loop with each one leaving her a breath more panicked. Her mother ensured her there were ways to make it pleasurable for them both, but who was to say Everett was aware of such methods? What if he was as forceful as her captor had been?

Her only saving grace from Everett becoming aware of her growing panic was her determination to not be weak in front of him. He had witnessed the immediate aftermath and how desperate she'd felt in that moment. It left her powerless and completely at his mercy. Never again would he see her unravel as much as she had that day. He would have his way, she would endure it, and then he would leave. Only then could she break under the stress of the day.

Except, when they reached her room he bowed as if to leave her for the night. Verity untangled herself from his arm and took a small step towards the door before looking up at him fully. A dutiful wife would invite him in, but she was no dutiful wife. "Good night, Mr. Swann," she returned with a small curtsy, her expression an unreadable mix of confusion and relief. "Until tomorrow."

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