He leans in, and I know he’s going to kiss me. I should turn away. Should push him back. But I don’t. I let his lips meet mine and let myself sink into the kiss.
It’s different from before.
Softer.
Almost tender.
Like he’s trying to tell me something he doesn’t have words for.
When we break apart, I’m breathless. Confused. Terrified by the feelings swirling inside me.
“I should hate you,” I whisper.
“I know.” He rests his forehead against mine. “I hate myself enough for both of us.”
His phone rings again, shattering the moment. He pulls away with a curse and answers it, his voice cold and professional once more.
I move to the bed and sit down, my legs suddenly unsteady.
I watch him pace and talk, watch the way he holds himself despite the pain he must be in.
Watch the way his jaw clenches when whoever’s on the other end says something he doesn’t like.
And I realize with dawning horror that Elena was right.
Underneath all the rage and violence, there’s a man worth saving.
A man who came to me bleeding and let me tend his wounds.
A man who’s arranging security not just for himself but for me.
A man I’m starting to care about.
The thought should terrify me.
It does terrify me.
But it also feels inevitable, like I’ve been falling toward this moment since the night he kidnapped me.
Mikhail ends the call and turns to me. “I need to go out for a few hours. Marco will stay with you.”
“Of course he will.” I can’t keep the bitterness from my voice.
“Sophia.” He crosses to me and tilts my chin up, forcing me to meet his eyes. “I know this isn’t what you want. But until I know who’s behind the attack, until I know you’re safe, this is how it has to be.”
“I’m never going to be safe with you.” The truth of it settles over me like a shroud. “Your enemies will always come for me. Use me against you. This will never end.”
“Then I’ll keep fighting.” His voice is fierce, determined. “I’ll keep you safe no matter what it costs.”
He kisses me again, hard and possessive, then leaves before I can respond.
I sit in the empty room, my fingers touching my lips where I can still feel the pressure of his kiss.
My mind races with everything that’s happened.
The wounds on his body.
The fear in his voice when he talked about security.
