"Mark me." The words leave my mouth before I can think, and my eyes widen.
Cyrus's mouth drops as he stares at me without a word, his eyes darting between mine. He looks as if he is waiting for me to deny it or say I'm joking, but I don't.
He laughs a little awkwardly. "What do you mean, baby?"
His reaction gives me enough clarity I need, and I repeat it again. "Mark me, Cyrus! Claim me, make me yours."
His breath hitches and his pupils dilate, but he closes his eyes and shakes his head hard. "No. I won't."
My face falls and tears of humiliation fill my eyes, and I get up and sit on the bed, avoiding his gaze. "Okay."
He holds my wrist and tugs on it, but I refuse to look at him. "Baby, please don't do this. You know why I'm saying no to you; please don't be mad."
I try to pull my hand away. "I'm not mad." I hate how my voice breaks.
