Runaway

Ashley stood her ground, meeting Patrick's penetrating gaze with a steely resolve that belied the turmoil churning within her. The weight of Patrick's scrutiny bore down on her, threatening to expose the tremor of uncertainty that flickered in her eyes before she managed to mask it once more.

"I understand the severity of the consequences for betrayal, Patrick," she declared, her voice firm, yet tinged with a hint of desperation. "You can trust me. I would never betray you."

Patrick's response was a slow, sinister smile that crept across his lips like a slithering snake, his eyes alight with a dangerous gleam. It was a smile that sent shivers down Ashley's spine, a silent warning of the treacherous waters she was navigating.

"Good," Patrick purred, his tone dripping with honeyed malice as he nodded in approval. "Trust is paramount, especially in times like these."

With a subtle nod of acknowledgment, Ashley seized the opportunity to extricate herself from Patrick's scrutinizing gaze.