"I've never experienced defeat," he said, his piercing gaze fixed on her tear-streaked face. "But if anyone dares to so much as brush a hair from your head without my consent, I'd be at a loss," he confessed, his intensity deepening. "And when I lose," he leaned in, their faces almost touching, "it becomes a death warrant for them." Her eyes widened in surprise and fear. "I swear, I'd reduce this entire city to ashes if necessary," he vowed. Horrified by the thought, she retreated, feeling her heart rend open once again. The same wound she had felt only a week ago, inflicted by him, reopened. "And I mean every word," he reminded her, his warm fingers leaving an unwelcome burn on her chin. WARNING: This story contains graphic language, morally ambiguous situations, deception, manipulation, themes of abduction, and a dark romantic undertone.
"
