Tonia's POV
I spun around to escape, but Sterling moved with predatory speed, blocking my path before I could take two steps.
"Stop running. I'm not going through this dance with you," I snapped, refusing to meet his piercing stare.
"Running?" His laugh held no warmth. "That's rich, coming from someone who's still tied to me whether she likes it or not."
My eyes flashed with fury as I glared at him. "I am not tied to you! Whatever we had died the second you threw me away like garbage, Sterling."
"Did it really? Because the sacred bond at the temple tells a different story."
He took a deliberate step back, his gaze traveling over me with infuriating appreciation. "You've changed, Tonia. Grown into something breathtaking. If I'd known you'd become this magnificent, I would have cherished you from the beginning."
I wrapped my arms around myself, hating how vulnerable his stare made me feel.
