Brian caught Alessa by her wrist and pulled her to his chest.
Abby looked triumphant, her chin cupped in her hand as if she was looking at something amusing.
"Brian --" Alessa said, sounding frustrated, as she struggled in his grasp, "let me go! I didn't push Mandy, I didn't kill the unborn baby! Didn't you say you believe me?”
Brian lowered his gaze to be level with hers, his other hand catching her second arm.
Alessa shuddered in his gasp, wishing that she could resist him, and finally allowed herself to match his gaze.
"Alessa, it seems that I have overindulged you. Now you have no idea what your status is or what my bottom line is. I repeat, go back right now! I can create far more trouble for you than you are worth," he threatened.
His heavy breathing came to her face, and she s
