He approaches me where I breathe harshly, my spine leaning against the headboard, settling beside me. "I had such great plans for you." He brushes my hair back from my sweaty forehead. "But you wither with each day." His grandmother's blood is cold against my skin as he caresses my skin. "If I grant you this, you must give something in return."
The rejection sits pretty on my tongue, but he isn't done.
"You will owe me, Valka. Your every hour, every thought. You will express your gratitude by agreeing to be mine. And you must mean it." His grey eyes are stormy waters of a rising tide, seeking to flow into mine. "Or at the very least, pretend so well, I cannot tell the difference. Starting this moment."
