CHAPTER 43

CAESAR

"Look at me and promise me you won't go there," she interrupted, her hands gripping my chin, guiding my gaze to her tender, marble-blue eyes, filled with so much affection.

I hadn't planned on lying to her, and I also couldn't simply agree with her and ignore what had happened.

If no one else wants to fight for her, then I will. I'll make those who dare to touch her pay! Their last breath shall be their most painful.

"Promise me, Caesar!" Her feminine voice pulled me back to reality as my eyes met her gaze, staring at the beauty I held in my hands.

"I can't." I shifted my gaze away from her, avoiding her eyes so they wouldn't sway my decision.

"What?"

She lifted her body from resting on mine and sat beside me, while I kept my eyes fixed ahead.

"Caesar, why can't you just let this go for me?"

Her words shattered the last bit of control I held in my chest.

"Because I can't, Esmeray!" I stood up, looking down at her.

"Leon must pay! He raped you, for goddess' sake. No bastard would