My fingers slipped on the lock again.
“Come on, come on…” I whispered desperately, heart slamming against my ribs.
The footsteps behind me grew louder, heavy and very suspicious. A hand grabbed my shoulder and yanked me back hard. I stumbled, nearly falling, but caught myself against the wall.
“Elena, stop!” Victor barked, his voice no longer sounding tired or fatherly. It was sharp and cold, reminded me of the voice I was used to. The abusive and mean voice.
I spun around, breathing fast. “Let me go! I knew this was a mistake. I should never have come.”
Victor’s face twisted into something ugly. The sickly, regretful father from moments ago was gone. In his place stood the man I had grown up fearing the drunk, the manipulator, the liar.
Before I could move, the shadow from the hallw
