Jasmine's POV
The words struck like a lock clicking into place.
"You're coming with me." Ares said, each syllable precise, sharp, dangerous. "Whether you like it or not."
The room shrank around us. His voice filled every corner, crowding out even the muffled chatter of his security team. The weight of his command pressed against my chest until breathing itself felt like defiance.
"No." I said, low but steady. "I'm not your prisoner."
Ares's eyes darkened. He didn't shout. He didn't need to. "You're a target. There's a difference."
My fists clenched at my sides. "And you think dragging me into your fortress fixes that? You think I'll just follow because you barked the order?"
His silence was worse than anger. His jaw worked, muscles tight, and when he finally spoke, his words carried the kind of finality that made men obey without hesitation.
"I don't bark, Jasmine. I decide. And right now, my decision is the only thing standing between you and a bullet."
