Daniel: Don't look at me like that, Sarah. My father told me that a wealthy woman like you needs to be humbled early on.
Sarah: You married me because you thought I was some weak, spoiled heiress who would just take your abuse?
Daniel: I married you because your family owns a multi-million dollar estate, and now half of everything you own belongs to me. But first, you're going to learn to obey me.
Sarah: You think a piece of paper and a ring make you my master, Daniel?
Daniel: I don't just think it, Sarah. I know it. Nobody can hear you out here on the water. No family, no security, no trust fund lawyers to save you.
He took a broad, aggressive stance, gripping the wooden bat with both hands as if he were preparing to swing for the fences. The sweet, loving fiancé I had known was completely gone, replaced by a greedy, violent monster who thought he had backed me into an inescapable corner.
Sarah: You spent two years pretending to be a gentle, loving partner just to get your hands on my inheritance.
Daniel: It wasn't hard. You were so desperate for a good husband that you fell for every single lie I told you. You even signed the cruise paperwork without checking who owned the suite!
Sarah: I paid for this entire trip, Daniel! My family's money bought this private balcony, this suite, and everything inside it!
Daniel: And now it's all mine! Starting right now, you do what I say, when I say it. Or I start smashing things... starting with you.
He lifted the bat high over his shoulder, his knuckles turning white as he glared down at me. I stood perfectly still near the foot of the bed, letting my hands rest lightly against the silk fabric of my dress. I didn't scream. I didn't cry. I simply took a slow, measured breath, locking my eyes onto his shoulders.
Sarah: You really should have asked my father about my college years before you planned this, Daniel.
Daniel: What are you talking about? Your father said you studied art history!
Sarah: I did. But I also spent four years as a competitive Krav Maga instructor and tactical martial artist.
Daniel: You're lying! You're just trying to talk your way out of this!
With a wild shout, Daniel stepped forward and swung the heavy wooden bat straight toward my head. In a split second, the world seemed to slow down. I ducked swiftly under the arc of the heavy wood, feeling the rush of air slice above my hair. Before he could recover his balance, I stepped inside his guard, driving my palm sharply against his wrist while hooking his elbow with my free hand.
Daniel: What the—!
The wooden bat clattered uselessly onto the thick carpet. In one fluid motion, I twisted his arm behind his back, slammed his weight down onto the mattress, and pinned him flat on his chest among the scattered red rose petals. Before he could scream, my hand clamped down tightly over his mouth, locking his head against the bed.