Chapter 244

"Did you not like how I responded, Darian?" She said, shivering, and for a second, he clasped her in his warmth. If he had shown her tenderness...no, this was better. You forced me to...to respond, just as you forced me into everything. That kiss was about domination, not desire, not about taking tenderness."

He studied her, his own gaze curiously empty. "And if I had asked?" Shaking his head, he stepped away from her. as if he didn’t want her to answer. When he met her gaze again, his expression was stunned. "You’re not wearing your ring."

"It’s somewhere in my jewelry."

"As long as you’re still bound to me, you will wear it."

She stared in stunned silence.

It would please Romanos too. And that matters to you, doesn’t it, Kassandra? So I don’t have to worry that you will talk about our little deal with him. "

"And when I’m...when I win our deal?" She forced the words out through the knot in her throat. That she would never see him again was like a lead weight in her chest.

"You will