“I will do anything you want.”
The words hung between us.
Heavy.
Charged.
The storm raged louder overhead.
“What?” he asked slowly.
“You heard me,” I said, louder now, competing with the thunder, and forcing the words out before I could take them back. “I will do anything you want. Just ask!”
Desperation?
Yes.
Absolutely.
But also—something else.
Because the way he was looking at me now—it wasn’t dismissive.
He didn’t seem disgusted either. Or even bored.
Sten looked focused.
Sharp.
Hungry in a way I didn’t understand.
His gaze dragged slowly over me.
Head to toe.
Taking in everything I had tried—and failed—to hide.
And instead of shrinking—instead of apologizing for existing—I simply stood there.
Letting him look.
Letting him see.
Because I had nothing left to lose.
A slow smile curved at the edge of his mouth.
Dangerous.
Beautiful.
Terrifying.
“Anything?” he repeated.
And this time—it didn’t sound like a question.
It sounded like a promise.
