"Stay still." My grip on her wrist tightened just slightly, my eyes locked onto hers, my voice dropping to a low, commanding murmur. "You should be more careful, Mother-in-law." My other hand cupped her cheek, my thumb brushing away a stray tear that had escaped, my touch surprisingly tender. "You're shaking."
Jennifer's breath hitched, her body trembling as she stared up at me, her expression a mix of confusion and something deeper—something that made my pulse quicken. "I... I'm fine," she stammered, but her voice lacked conviction, her eyes flickering down to where my fingers still held her wrist, my touch warm and possessive.
I didn't let go. Instead, I stepped closer, my voice a dark, velvet murmur, my body pressing against hers as if I could shield her from everything else. "No, you're not," I whispered, my lips brushing against her ear, my breath hot against her skin.
