Calculated Compliance

CASSIA

The sound of footsteps outside the door made my spine go rigid.

I didn't look up right away. I kept my gaze fixed on the floor, on the faint crack in the wood near my bare toes, forcing my breathing to slow. In. Out. Steady. Panic would only give me away. Garrett noticed panic. He fed on it.

He liked me quiet. Compliant. Small.

I'd learned that much already.

The lock clicked—loud in the sti