Helena's POV
His declaration lingers in the space separating us, carrying both menace and vow. "I know I am."
My pulse hammers against my ribs with painful intensity. Aria writhes beneath my surface, her talons scraping through my consciousness. "Yes. Yes. Yes."
I fold my arms across my chest, concealing my trembling fingers. "You believe uttering words like that will accomplish what exactly? Make me surrender? After witnessing what happened downstairs? With her rouge still staining your mouth?"
Patrick's lips curve wickedly as he drags the back of his hand across them. That perilous tilt of his mouth makes me crave either violence or his kiss. The decision remains unmade. He advances, forcing my retreat. Our deadly waltz continues until his frame traps me against the cold surface.
"Jealousy consumed you." His tone drops to gravel. "Don't waste energy denying it."
Heat floods my face. "I wasn't..."
