Selene's breath came in ragged, uneven gasps, her chest tightening as if a vice had wrapped around her ribs.
The man's grip on her waist grew stronger, his body pressing against hers with an intensity that bordered on desperation.
His arms coiled around her, caging her in, and every attempt she made to push him away only seemed to draw him closer.
"I love you."
He whispered, his voice a soft, insistent murmur against her ear.
"I'm the only one who truly does. The only one who can accept every part of you—especially the parts you try to hide."
Selene shuddered, a chill skittering down her spine.
His words felt like spider legs crawling over her skin, invasive and unwelcome. She twisted in his hold, her hands pushing against the unyielding warmth of his chest.
"Let me go."
Her voice was low, edged with steel.