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“Anastasia, I’m on your side here, so don’t make me force you to speak. Who was here?”
“No…one…” It’s a whisper now, a haunted one at that.
My hold tightens on her, the pads of my fingers digging into the sensitive flesh of her pale throat. When I speak, it’s in a low warning tone. “Anastasia…”
“Just leave me alone, Knox.” A tear slides down her cheek. “Let me go.”
“No.”
“Why? Just why the hell do you keep holding on to me?”
“Because I’m not done with you.” And I probably never will be. But I don’t voice that thought aloud in case it would freak the hell out of her as fast as it’s growing roots inside me.
“What if I’m done with you?”
“You’ll have to mean that first, and even if you are, I’ll win you over again.”
“Even if I hurt you?”
“Even if you hurt me.”
“You’re not supposed to say that.” Her tears soak her cheeks unchecked.
“Then what am I supposed to say?”
“That you won’t let me or anyone hurt you.”
“I won’t.”
She swallows. “Promise.”
“I promise. I also promise that no one will hurt you under my watch.”
Her lips part, then she swallows thickly. “I never asked for your protection.”
“You’ll get it anyway.” I release her throat. “Now, continue packing, because you’re coming with me.”
“W-what?”
“I’m not leaving you in a place someone broke into, Anastasia. You’ll be safer with me.”
“But…”
“No buts. This is not up for negotiation.”
“You…don’t have to do this for me.”
“Who said it’s only for you? I get to fuck you anytime I like, so I have advantages as well.”
She smiles a little through the tears, even though it’s sad, even though the fear isn’t completely gone. But I’ll make sure to make it go away if it’s the last thing I do.
Because Anastasia is mine and I protect what’s mine.
27
ANASTASIA
When Knox said I was coming with him, I knew he’d take me to his apartment. He’s often suggested that I pay him a visit, but I always change the subject.
