Page 77 of Rebellion

“Sofia Anisimov, you look at me right now.”

The controlled command in his voice had her gaze rising immediately, unable to stop herself.

“That’s better.” He cupped her chin and the warmth of his skin was almost a shock to her system, even though she hadn’t thought she was cold. The water had been hot, the bathroom was steamy, so why was she so cold?

She tried to pull back. She didn’t deserve his touch. But the pain in her back stopped her, along with the look on his face as he eyed her sternly.

“You weren’t given permission to move.”

Her eyes widened. “I have to have permission to move?”

“At the moment, you do. Because, right now, I think you’re struggling to cope, aren’t you, lass?”

Oh, man.

She loved it when his accent grew thicker. That brogue that rolled off his tongue seemed to weave a magic web around her, instantly making her relax.

Well. Some parts of her instantly relaxed.

Other parts came to life.

Dear Lord.

He just seemed to have this effect on her. It wasn’t something that she could keep in check. Even when it made her feel like she was completely out of control of her life.

“Sofia? Are you finding it hard to cope? Just nod if that’s true.”

She nodded.

“That’s a good girl. The first step is admitting it.”

She wasn’t admitting to a drug or alcohol problem. But she understood what he was talking about.

“You’re spiraling, aren’t you? Panic is making it hard to breathe? Are you finding everything overstimulating?”

How did he know?

“My ma used to get overwhelmed at times,” he admitted to her. “She used to have to go off to a room by herself and just stay quiet and still in the dark. But I think you might be a bit different. I don’t think you need to be alone. No, because I have a feeling that you talk even worse about yourself in your head than you do out loud. Don’t you, lass?”

Yikes.

Why was he looking so . . . so stern?

And why was it so entrancing? Why could she not look away?

“Now, we haven’t been able to talk about our relationship at all because we haven’t really had one. But that’s gonna changesoon. This isn’t the time to talk that all through, however. Because right now, I need to get you settled and relaxed. So this is what is going to happen.”

He was speaking English. She knew he was. She recognized each individual word. But somehow, putting them all together was too much for her frazzled mind to handle.

“Yeah, I know it’s too much, baby. I get it. I’m going to stop giving you choices and explanations soon.”

Did she not want choices?

What was happening?

16

“This is what I need you to pay attention to. I’m going to take over. I’m making all the decisions regarding your care. But the ultimate choice is always yours. If you don’t want that, shake your head now.”

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