Fourteen floors down. A fall from here would mean a messy end.

Taliyah's face drained of color. Terror choked her voice, her head desperately shaking.

Rosalynn's voice was ice-cold. “Clear-headed yet? Or do you need more taste of the fresh air?"

She pushed Taliyah further out.

A whimper escaped her lips. Her head shook frantically, tears welling in her eyes. She was on the verge of fainting from sheer terror.

“Still think being a mistress is a good idea?" Rosalynn pressed.

Taliyah kept shaking her head.

"You still want to seduce married men?"

Taliyah shook her head again.

“Are you clear-headed now?"

Taliyah nodded desperately.

Finally, Rosalynn yanked her back inside, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

Taliyah's body remained rigid with fear. When Rosalynn released her, she crumpled to the floor, sobs wracking her body.

Rosalynn stared down at her. "Remember this feeling. Mistresses meet horrible ends."

Eyes wide with terror, Taliyah pulled the rag free from her mouth and fled the room, trembling uncontrollably.

Rosalynn straightened her clothes and turned to Valeria and Hutton.

Valeria, propped against the headboard, managed a weak smile. “Thank you, Rosalynn."

Rosalynn returned the smile, then glanced at Hutton. “Valeria,” she said, “If you truly want to show your gratitude, talk things out with Hutton."

Misunderstandings had clearly built up between the couple.

Rosalynn hoped they could open up and have a real conversation. She hated the thought of them breaking up over something fixable.