Prison For Love, Drowning In Deceit

Alexis Brandt POV:

Austin's security detail drove me to a secluded mountain temple, nestled in the Hollywood Hills. As I stepped out of the car, I saw them. Eva, draped dramatically against Austin, her head resting on his shoulder, looking pale and fragile. Disgust churned in my stomach.

"Oh, Alexis," Eva purred, her voice sickly sweet. "My poor baby must have been so frightened. We came here to pray, but I'm just too weak. Austin, darling, perhaps Alexis could pray for us? For our child's well-being?"

My brows shot up. My blood ran cold, hot fury bubbling beneath my skin. She wanted me, the real victim, to pray for her and her illegitimate child? I yanked my arm away from her touch, the flimsy pretense of civility vanishing.

Eva stumbled, a calculated sway that sent Austin's arm immediately around her waist. "Alexis!" Austin hissed, his voice lethal. "What are you doing? Eva is fragile. Go pray. Go beg for forgiveness. For your sins."

"My sins?" I choked, a bitter laugh escaping me. "The only sinners here are you and your whore."

Eva clutched Austin's arm, her eyes wide with feigned hurt. "Austin, don't! She's upset. Let me do it. I'll pray for our baby." She began to sink to her knees, a pathetic, manipulative display.

Austin's grip on her tightened, but his eyes were fixed on me, dark and menacing. "Don't push me, Alexis," he warned, his voice low and dangerous. "Don't make me use other means to make you obey."

I met his gaze, my own eyes cold and empty. A faint smile touched my lips. "Fine," I said, my voice barely a whisper. "I'll pray."

I turned, my back to them, and began to ascend the ancient stone steps. My knees hit the rough stone, sending a jolt of pain through me. One step. Two steps. Each one a deliberate, agonizing act of submission. I heard Austin's sharp intake of breath, a flicker of something in his eyes. Was it guilt? Regret? I didn't care.

He watched me go, Eva clinging to him, her triumphant smirk hidden from his view. Step by painful step, I disappeared into the winding mountain path, the rising sun casting long, twisted shadows. My knees were numb, my forehead bleeding, but I kept going. It was a pilgrimage of penance, not for my sins, but for his.

By the time I reached the summit, the sky was a bruised purple and orange. Austin and Eva stood waiting at the temple doors, their faces impassive. I staggered, my legs barely holding me up. My voice was hoarse, ragged. "Is this enough, Austin?"

Eva, still not satisfied, piped up. "Perhaps a few hours of chanting, darling? For extra blessings?"

Austin snapped. His face contorted with a sudden, violent rage. "Enough!" he roared, cutting her off.

Eva flinched, startled by his unexpected outburst. The world swam before my eyes. My body swayed, then gave way. I collapsed.

Austin's face contorted with alarm. He rushed forward, catching me before I hit the ground. His arms were surprisingly gentle as he scooped me up, his panic palpable. "Alexis!" he cried, his voice laced with genuine fear. He hurried down the mountain, carrying me, shouting for his car.