Katie hadn't brought the gun into my room because she hadn't come to kill me. Jason must have forbidden it. She had only come in there to hurt me, to kick me, and to feed her own sick, delusional jealousy. She had left her weapon sitting right here on the table, never imagining for a single second that I would break free.
Hot, overwhelming tears finally spilled over my eyelashes, burning my scraped cheeks as a breathless sob caught in my throat. But this time, it wasn't out of fear. It was pure relief. I squeezed my fingers tight around the cold grip of the gun, holding it close to my chest.
The power dynamic had completely shifted. I was armed.
"Jason could come back any minute," I whispered into the oppressive quiet of the living room, my voice shaking. My eyes darted around the shado
