Page 23 of Twisted Pact
“Watch me.”
The arrogance in his tone lights something volatile inside me.
I’m done being told what to do.
I’m done being handled.
And I’m ready to end this constant push-and-pull that never goes anywhere.
“I’m leaving.”
“No, you’re not.”
“You can’t stop me.”
He sets his mug down so calmly that it only serves to irritate me more.
“Actually, I can. And I will.”
I start for the door, but he’s faster. His hand catches my wrist and spins me back to face him.
We’re suddenly too close. I’m close enough to smell cedar, coffee, and something darker that slides under my skin and makes my pulse trip.
“Let go of me.” My voice shakes, and I hate that he hears it.
“Sit down, Mila. Stop being stubborn.”
“I’m not being stubborn; I’m being rational. I can’t just stop my life because you’re paranoid.”
“You can attend virtual classes. Work on your research. Nothing is wasted.”
“Everything is wasted when I’m stuck here with you instead of living my life.”
He doesn’t answer. Just looks at me, calm and unreadable, until the silence starts to crush my lungs.
I sit, only because fighting him won’t get me out any faster.
He doesn’t loosen his grip, as if he’s reminding me who’s in charge.
“Is it really so terrible?” he murmurs. “Being here with me?”
“That’s not the point,” I snap, though my voice comes out softer than I want.
“Then what is the point, Mila?” His tone cuts like glass. “Because you’re fighting this arrangement awfully hard for someone who showed up at my door three nights ago, begging to be touched.”
Heat floods my face, and my gaze drops to the floor. “That was different.”
“How?”
“That was my choice. This is you deciding for me.”
“Someone has to make smart choices when you’re too stubborn to see reason.”
I rip my wrist free and step back. “Don’t patronize me.”
“Then stop acting like a child who didn’t get her way.”
My pulse spikes. “A child? You think that’s what this is?”
