"Killian, you need to understand that I will —"
"AMELIA! DON'T!" His roar cut through my words, a primal warning that sent shivers down my spine. But I stood my ground, my heart pounding against my ribs. I couldn't back down now, couldn't surrender to fear. His anger was a storm I refused to cower from.
Reaching out, I took his hand, my fingers interlacing with his. The heat of his skin, usually comforting, felt alien against the tremors running through me. "Wouldn't you do the same for me?" I asked my voice firm despite my trembling. "If you were in my place, wouldn't you do the exact thing? Tell me, Killian."
He met my gaze, his anger replaced by a look of desperation that tore at my heart. "That's different," he said, his voice raw.
"No, it's not," I shook my head, my voice unwavering. "We are lovers, Killian. Equal partners. What you would do for me, I will do for you."
"But —"
