The Key Stays

Claire's thumb presses the key deeper into the lock, not turning, her eyes on the phone screen where David's name pulses again. 'Then he doesn't get to keep you,' she says, and her other hand slides under Warren's shirt to the belt David buckled, tracing the leather. She pulls the belt tight, a sharp tug that makes him gasp, and says, 'You wear this for me now.' The cage stays locked, the key stays in her grip, and Warren feels the belt's pressure shift from David's claim to Claire's challenge.