Chapter 3

Fighting through the dull ache in my body, I walked into the kitchen and tied on an apron.

Laughter drifted in from the living room.

I glanced over.

Ryan was draped against Serena's shoulder on the sofa, his voice all soft and playful.

"So when are you finally going to marry me? I can't wait anymore."

Ryan wasn't like the others Serena had cycled through. He was the only son of New York's mayor. And by far the longest-running relationship she'd ever had.

"When do you want?"

"I don't care, I just want it to be soon!"

"Okay, okay. I'll come to your parents' place tomorrow. Happy?"

"Now we're talking!"

Something clenched in my chest.

The knife slipped. The blade caught my finger before I could pull back.

Blood welled up immediately, a sharp, bright sting.

I held my hand under the running water until the pain faded to a low throb, then pulled it back.

I carried the food out, set everything on the table, and moved to leave.

"Hey. Stop."

Ryan's voice caught me at the doorway.

He was smiling, just slightly. "Would you mind serving the rice?"

I glanced at Serena. She gave nothing. I nodded and stepped forward.

I set the bowl in front of him.

He took one bite.

Then, without warning, he swept the bowl off the table.

Scalding rice scattered across my hand.

"Are you trying to burn me?" His voice was flat and cold. "Taste it yourself. Tell me if that's edible."

The back of my hand was already red and blotchy. I turned toward the kitchen.

"Did I say you could go? Get back here."

I stopped. I bit down hard, then turned back around.

"The rice was just cooked. It's going to be hot right off the stove, Mr. White."

"So now you're blaming me?"

His face was expressionless. The look in his eyes treated me like something he'd scraped off his shoe.

"No."

"Then apologize."

"I'm sorry."

Three years of this life had sanded down every sharp edge I used to have.

But Ryan wasn't done. He let out a short, dismissive laugh.

"That's it? One sorry and we're good? Here's what's going to happen. You're going to get on your knees and pick up every grain of rice off that floor with your mouth. Do that, and I'll let it go."

I went rigid. My head snapped toward Serena.

She had no intention of stepping in.

If anything, something like amusement had crept into her eyes.

Her silence was the worst thing she could have done to me.

I set my jaw. I bent my knees and lowered myself to the floor.

"No hands. Head down. Eat it."

Ryan's order made me freeze.

I pulled my hands back. I bent forward, and one by one, I picked up each grain of rice from the floor with my mouth.

The rice mixed with the grit from the tile. It scraped rough against my teeth.

"God, this is exhausting. Can't even enjoy a meal in peace. Serena, let's just go out."

"Fine."

"You're not upset that I put your guy in his place?"

"Why would I be? He's just the help."

The words drifted over me, light and unbothered, growing fainter as they moved toward the door.

I slowly raised my head. I watched Serena walk out with her arm around Ryan's, until they disappeared. Then I swallowed what was in my mouth.