Fears

“Are you afraid?” Disseus queried. Hungering to see if she’d admit her vulnerability.

Become a bit closer to me through a hint of truth. If she’s even capable of that…

“No.” She choked a little. “I just can’t protect both your friend and your mistress by myself.”

He scoffed.

“Almora isn’t my mistress, as you know very well. I’ve only ever wanted one woman.” Catching her chin, he turned her face back to him. Giving her a long look that conveyed his disbelief.

But she promptly jerked her head away.

“Look at me.”

“How do you somehow make your commands seem coaxing?”

She wants to do what I’m asking but it defies every instinct she has to protect herself. Some part of him could faintly understand that. She had no one else to look after her for a long time.

But that thought made the old bitter part of him return to the fore. That was her own doing.

I’d have been there.

“Because I’m asking you to obey.” He reached for her again, but she turned away.

“Don’t.” There was pleading in her soft vo