“Are you hurt?”
He doesn’t answer, so I try to get off him as concern takes over, but he grabs me and cages me in with his arms.
“I’m fine.”
I rest my head against his chest and soak up the familiarity of his warmth. I don’t know how it’s possible he can think he’s not good for me, because when I’m near him, it feels like I’m home.
“I missed this.” I choke out the words, and I’m embarrassed when tears leak from my eyes. I’m so emotional, but I can’t control it.
“Fuck,” he curses under his breath as he cradles my head. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here for you, baby.”
He combs his fingers through my hair and rubs my back, offering me what I need most right now.
“You haven’t been taking care of yourself.” His voice roughens. “Do you know what that does to me?”
I shake my head against him, and he swallows.
“I need to know you’re safe when I’m not here.”
“It doesn’t matter.” I force the words out. “Nothing does. My life isn’t mine, and I don’t know how to fix it.”
A beat of silence passes, and when he speaks again, his voice carries a lethal promise.
“What Michael told you—none of that is happening. I won’t ever let anyone hurt you, Gabi.”
“How do you even know about that?” I sniffle.
I’m not sure whether he’s referring to the virginity test, or the marriage stuff, or all of it, but either way, my mind goes to the worst-case scenario.
I know this man is capable of murder, and even though I don’t like Michael, I don’t want his death on my conscience.
“I won’t kill him,” Eros says, seemingly reading my thoughts. “Unless you want me to. In which case, I’ll do it with pleasure.”
“No.” I shake my head. “I know he’s not a good man, but all I really want is to be free of his control.”
“Have you ever considered telling him to get fucked?”
I laugh at the suggestion. “I’ve thought about it…a lot. But I can’t, and even if I could, I’m not good at confrontation.”
“Don’t sell yourself short,” he tells me. “You just need to practice. And you know what makes it easier?”
“What?”
“Having me beside you when you do it.”
“Would you really do that?”
“Yes.”
I let my mind run away with that thought, entertaining it even though I know it’s probably just a fantasy.
“Do you trust me?” he asks.
I nod without hesitating, because I don’t have to think about it. I do trust him.
“I want you to do something for me.” He leans back so we’re face-to-mask. “Close your eyes and think of a time you complied when you wanted to refuse.”
I close my eyes, and a million different scenarios compete for attention in my thoughts.
