Chapter 17: Cold Affection

Pamela’s Point of View

I wake the next morning feeling as though I've been hit by a truck. My mind is slow, body aching, and I can feel the echo of Rowan's touch from last night. I can almost feel him pushing me against the wall, heat on my skin from his breathing, the rough hands on my body—it's just all too vivid. I don't know what to make of it. It was too raw, too intemperate. Did it really happen? Or was it some sort of fever dream?

As I sit up in bed, the reality of the situation hits me hard. No, it wasn’t a dream. Rowan kissed me. He claimed me. But then he walked away as if it was nothing.

I glance at the clock. It’s early, earlier than I’d like to be awake, but sleep isn’t going to come easily now. The weight of what happened last night sits heavy on my chest, and I wonder how Rowan will act today. Will he pretend it never happened? Or worse, will he be angry?

I drag myself out of bed and head downstairs, half expecting to find the house just as cold and silent as it was las