er mind struggled violently to process the sudden shift from t

like steel vices. His knuckles turned white from the strain. He inter

ainst her skin. His breath was hot against

voice a low, dangerous rumble. "Were you really goi

before the final argument that led to her leaving, she had been standing by that very window, clutching the burner phone Carl had given her. She hadn't jumped, but th

. She tried to deny the accusation, her brun

was refusing to answer. His jaw muscles ticked visibly

deeper into the mattress. The heavy muscl

whispered. The icy threat sent a tremor through her bod

k, undeniable contrast to the numb, freezing void of the ocean. The pain

g. She looked deeply

. Beneath the rage and the dominant posture, she recognized the r

a choice. She forced her tense, trembling muscles to completely relax. She

brow furrowed in deep confusion. His grip on her wrists loosened

y. Instead, she slowly twisted her wrists within his grasp. She turned h

touch. He braced himself, fully expecting her to scratch his s

from the phantom saltwater. She forced herself to sp

ub

solutely necessary. It broke the heavy, suffo

e shock. The furious rage drained from his face in an inst

f trying to verify that the word had actually come fro

This time, there was mor

ars of profound regret, relief

ot path down her temple and soaked into the silk pil

s back as if her skin was made of burning coals. He star

y possible manipulation tactic she could be employing. For a split second, a wild, desperate hope flared in his chest. Could it be real? But the memory of her last escape attem

the pulse beating steadily beneath her skin. She made no move

bed. Her posture was submissive, open, and entire

his perfectly styled dark hair, ruini

d mind reached the only logical conclusion his trauma

t her. His voice was harsh, l

ing compliance is going to get me to lower the securit

ized in that moment just how deeply she had damaged his trust in th

touched the cold hardwood floor. She intended to stand up,

held up a hand, hi

ce cracked like a whip. His defensive walls slamm

man she loved, the man who was terrified of her. She realized that repair