"Pl... Please don't do this," I whispered as my voice trembled. My words were laced with desperation as I begged, leaving my entire body frozen.
But Evander wasn't listening. His eyes were locked on mine, filled with pure desire. Without a word, he took my hand in his, guiding it to his bare chest. The warmth of his skin against my trembling fingers sent a wave of panic coursing through me.
"Feel that?" he said softly as his tone was deceptively gentle yet commanding. "That's my heart, Claire. Beating for you. Only for you."
I tried to pull my hand back, but his grip tightened, keeping it firmly in place. Tears welled in my eyes as I shook my head and my voice broke. "Evander, please. Don't do this. Let me go."
His jaw tightened and I could see a flicker of frustration crossing his face. "You are not going anywhere," he said firmly. "Not until you understand that you are mine. Your body, your soul, your everything... is all mine!"
