Kimi's POV
Kolton's eyes narrowed as he studied my face, his expression darkening with displeasure at my sharp tone. The air between us crackled with tension, and I knew I had crossed a line.
I needed to escape this suffocating corner immediately. Shifting my weight, I attempted to slip past him toward the left, but his arm shot out like a barrier, trapping me.
His palm pressed against the bookshelf beside my head, creating a cage of muscle and authority around my trembling frame. The scent of his cologne invaded my senses as he leaned closer, his presence overwhelming every rational thought.
I refused to face him directly, keeping my gaze fixed on the dusty spines of forgotten books. His warm breath ghosted across my ear, sending unwanted shivers down my spine. My fingers twisted into the fabric of my dress, desperately trying to silence the treacherous hammering of my heart.
Memories of his cruelty flooded back, each painful moment a reminder of why I should run.
