“Don’t you f*****g touch her.” My voice is barely recognizable—crackling, fierce, a lioness’s warning growl.
The woman pauses. “Don’t be ridiculous. You are in no condition—”
“I said don’t touch her.” I curl my body around Sofiya, ignoring the screaming pain of my torn and battered flesh. “She stays with me.”
“Give me the child, you stupid whore.” She reaches again, more forcefully this time.
I lash out with my free arm, catching her hand and twisting hard enough to make her yelp.
“Touch my daughter, and I will kill you.” The words aren’t mine. They are Vince’s, flowing through me like his blood flows through our child. “I will tear out your throat with my teeth.”
The woman backs away, nursing her wrist. “You are weak from childbirth. Do not be an idiot.”
“Try me.” I hold Sofiya cl
