"I'm happy," Zara admitted, though the tightness in her throat betrayed the storm inside her. "But I'm scared too."
His eyes searched hers, sharp and unblinking. "Why?"
"I'm not used to this… to you giving me so much," she confessed. "If one day you lose interest, if you walk away… it'll destroy me. So don't—don't make me hope for something that won't last."
At that, his face darkened, the warmth in his gaze vanishing. His hand shot up, fingers gripping her chin firmly.
"Still thinking about leaving me?" he growled. "Don't. Even. Think. About it. You can't escape me, Zara. Even if you run, I'll find you."
His mouth claimed hers in a fierce, almost punishing kiss. The force of it stole her breath, yet she didn't resist. Instead, her body softened against him, letting his dominance pull her under.
'Will you really love me forever?' A single tear slipped from the corner of her closed eye.
~~~~~~~~~~~
A few days later…
