Lara's POV
I felt relieved that Marco stayed in the bathroom for a long time. By the time I finished drying my hair and put away the towel, the sound of running water was still echoing behind the door. I needed that distance. I needed a few breaths where I was not overwhelmed by his presence, his scent, or the way he looked at me like he could read every thought I was trying so hard to hide.
But the moment I remembered what he said earlier, the relief vanished. He told me he would never claim me again unless I begged him. As if I would ever do that. As if my pride was not the only thing keeping me standing in front of him.
The worst part was how much those words hurt. They sliced through me because I wanted him. I hated how my body responded every time he looked at me. I hated how one touch could make me forget everything he had done. My mind kept telling me to stay away, but my heart whispered something dangerous, reckless, impossible to control.
