I bolted toward the pillar.

My shoes slipped on a patch of oil, but I kept my balance.

I reached the red box and grabbed the metal handle.

Before I could pull it down, a heavy hand grabbed my shoulder from behind.

Marcus had not gotten into the car yet.

He spun me around and shoved me away from the wall.

I lost my footing entirely this time.

I fell hard onto the concrete floor of the garage.

I scraped my palms against the rough surface.

The pain was immediate, a sharp sting that made my eyes water.

But my first thought went to my abdomen.

I curled onto my side, wrapping both arms around my stomach.

“Don’t,” I gasped, looking up at him.

Marcus stood over me, his face showing no emotion at all.

“Stay down,” he said.

He turned and walked back to the driver’s seat of the SUV.

The heavy door clicked shut behind him.

The engine of the SUV roared to life, a low, powerful growl that vibrated through the floor beneath me.

I lay on the cold concrete, my hands burning from the scrapes.