Selfish Me

Laura - Paul’s villa

My knees quiver as his hands grab my face and compel me to gaze at him. Suddenly, I feel weaker and more vulnerable than when I feared I would be imprisoned indefinitely by the strigois.

“Now tell me. What do you have to say in your defense?”

I'm trying to find the words to answer him, but they don't come easily. I can't deny it. An omission is also a lie. And I lied to him.

His warm hands soothe me while his gaze and voice send a wave of fear through my body. Do I fear what he can do to me or what he’ll refuse me?

I can't take my eyes off him, especially now when he's just an inch away. From his eyebrows to his jawline, all his facial features are perfect. I can stare at this handsome face all day and never get tired.

He lifts an eyebrow, waiting for my answer. "Well?" The sound of Paul's voice draws me back to reality.