A Dangerous Proposition

She was still reeling from the shock, and now Carlos's words landed like another heavy blow. Cecilia stared blankly, her eyes wide with disbelief, her face so ashen and drained of color it was as if all life had been sucked out of her.

"Don't be scared. I won't do anything to you. Things aren't like they used to be," Carlos said, his tone softer than before.

Carlos's reminder twisted the knife in