42. Tempting Disaster, Playing With Hellfire

Rima’s POV

All breath seemed to abandon me, as though I'd been plunged into the icy depths of an ocean. It felt as though I was gasping for air, my thoughts scattering like leaves in a whirlwind. I found myself rooted to the spot, staring at him in a state of dazed shock. The world around me seemed to fade into oblivion, leaving only this man - this dangerous man who held my darkest, deepest secret in the palm of his hand, wielding it like a sword with a mere utterance of a name.

"Breathe" Demir's whisper cut through my panic, his voice soft yet commanding.

His single word triggered my reflexes and I gulped in a breath, my vision blurring with the sudden onset of panicked tears "How in the world do you know that name?" I managed to choke out.

"I'll tell you everything, Rima. But first, you need to breathe. Don't panic. You've nothing to fear. Breathe for me" he instructed, his tone firm yet soothing.

His words seemed to echo in my ears, and I