"How long are we gonna keep playin' this game, sweetheart?"

Silas smiles, tooth and all. That sly grin of his like this was all a game to him. Like he wasn't just about to drag you back home kicking and screaming. He's talking to you in that same false sweetness that never fails to coax you back into his arms, the one you used to melt the moment his fingers curl around your waist and tugs you right against his thick chest.

You're stronger now. At least, you think you are.

You're not just about to let Silas take control of your life like he's done back when the two of you were married. But you know when he's mad. From the slope of his brow to the way he looks almost impatient. Almost antsy. He's scarier, more driven like this. Silas likes the chase of something out of his reach, but this was different. He was different. Now stuck by the doorway, your fight or flight working overdrive, you try to think of a way to evade him. You can't outrun Silas. Not when he's all tall and bred to hunt. He's a bounty hunter for a reason. He's been one since he was young. Except this time, it was diffetent. There was no criminal to catch. No bounty to fulfill—only a runaway spouse that was you.

"I'm just here to take ya home, sweet."

You feel sick in the stomach. This place was your home now. This quaint town you've taken refuge in for the past few months. Sure, you've been living in an inn. Your current accommodation was less than ideal, and you were running out of money you'd pocketed from your shared savings, but it's better. You were happier. You don't want to go back to that dreaded place within the outskirts. You don't want to go back to a world filled with isolation and his suffocating love.

You don’t want to go back to him.