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Chris knew there were cameras? My heart shatters with the implications behind this discovery Of course Chris knew This is his life, his world I should have known I did know "I’ot the best of me, but I’m afraid he’ll only think it’s another probleain"

He studieseyes for what seems like an eternity "Ms McMillan Relax I’ fired This is good This is what I want I nod, but I am still ramrod stiff

"Relax, Sara" It’s an order

I want to do as he says I want to show hi me on fire I inhale and let it out, and slowly, I force the tension from my body and lean back into entleness to his voice I’ve never heard "We have a bright future together"

"We do?"

"Yes I believe in you, or you wouldn’t be here, but it’s also allery You need to understand these artists can be , like you want froht now that you know that you need to do nothing to get work for this gallery but be the professional you are We do not beg, and you do not let yourself get manipulated Period The end These artists know I don’t tolerate that crap and as long as they believe I own you, they won’t believe you will either So when I say I own you, Sara, I mean I own you"

He owns me I am not comfortable with his choice of words, but I doubt aze lifts to the mural behind Mark that I am certain Chris painted I’ve trusted Chris Has he been ainst Mark? It’s not the first tiht

"Are we clear, Sara?" Mark prods

My attention returns to Mark, to the steely strong eyes offering ood job, a future "Yes We’re clear"

I barely remember the rest of the conversation The rab my phone and text Chris Have to cancel dinner I turn off my phone

Chapter Twenty-Nine