"Never, ever forgive him."
Orion's words hung in the air between us, heavy with meaning and something darker I couldn't quite name. His fingers still cradled my face, his touch both gentle and unyielding. The intensity in his eyes made it impossible to look away.
I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry. "I won't," I whispered. And in that moment, I meant it. How could I forgive Rhys after everything he'd done? The humiliation, the rejection, the soul-crushing pain that had driven me from my home. Yet something inside me twisted uncomfortably at making such a vow.
Orion's expression softened, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. "Good girl," he murmured, leaning in to press his lips against my forehead.
The familiar gesture should have comforted me, but tonight it felt different – possessive in a way I hadn't noticed before. Or maybe I just hadn't wanted to notice.
