Chapter 21

With one hand on the side of my neck, just under my jaw, he brings his other hand up and pulls me closer, leaning down until our foreheads touch. I look into his eyes and he uses his thumb to brush a tear away. With two fingers, he then slides them across my lips and closes his eyes. Breathing in deeply, as if inhaling me, he moves his other hand to the small of my back and tries to pull me into his arms. Before he can fully entrap me, I shove myself away.

I don't hate the feeling of his touch but I don't want to be someone's property. And he's treating me like I'm nothing but an object for his amusement. He's so confusing! On one hand, he speaks so cruelly, with such indifference, with not an ounce of warmth or compassion in his tone. On the other hand, he wipes my tears away and touches me tenderly.