*Hazel's POV*
"You can touch yourself."
Kael's words hung in the air, each syllable landing like a physical touch against my heated skin.
"What?" I squeaked, certain I had misheard him.
His eyes remained locked on mine, that predatory gleam unwavering. "You heard me."
My mouth fell open. Blood rushed to my face with such force I felt dizzy. "You want me to... while you... watch?"
"Yes." The single word held no room for negotiation.
I scrambled backward on the bed, putting distance between us. "Absolutely not!"
Kael's jaw tightened. "The energy imbalance—"
"I don't care!" I cut him off, hugging my arms around myself. "I'm not going to... perform for you like some kind of show."
His nostrils flared. "This isn't about performance. It's about stabilizing our connection."
"Then we'll figure out another way," I insisted, my voice rising. "Because that is not happening."
