The first thing I felt when I woke was the weight of his arm across my waist. Heavy. Possessive. Unyielding. Rafael slept beside me, his chest pressed to my back, his breath warm against my neck. To anyone else, it might've felt safe. To me, it felt like chains.
I lay still, staring at the ceiling, my heart pounding. His words from last night echoed in my head. You're mine. Nothing will take you from me. And the stranger's warning—choose wisely.
Carefully, I tried to shift away, but his grip tightened, pulling me flush against him. "Don't," he muttered, his voice thick with sleep but his hold iron.
"I just need water," I whispered.
He nuzzled against my hair, murmuring, "Later. Stay."
My chest tightened. He wanted me still, obedient, close. But my mind was already racing, already plotting. I had seen my name on that list. Someone wanted me dead, and Rafael's answers were nothing but walls.
