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Chapter 31

Author: Mary Anthony
last update Last Updated: 2025-04-08 20:11:17

Kaelen POV

"You confuse me," she said at last.

"Good. You confuse me too."

Her lips twitched, and for the first time, I saw the faintest hint of a smile. "You're not what I expected."

"And what did you expect?"

"Someone cruel. Distant. Cold."

"That’s what I’ve been. Until you walked in."

I looked at her, really looked at her, and saw the beauty that lay beneath her reserved exterior. Her eyes sparkled in the dim light of my tent, and her skin glowed with a soft, golden light.

As I stood there, looking into Ava's eyes, I felt a sense of uncertainty wash over me. I had never felt this way about a woman before. I have always been in control, always the one calling the shots.

But with Ava, I felt like I was losing my grip. I felt like I was being pulled under by a force I couldn't resist.

I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the feeling. I am a warrior, after all. I was in control.

But as I looked into Ava's eyes, I knew that I am only kidding myself. I am not in control. I am at th
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    Ava’s lips parted slightly, but no words came out at first. She hesitated, her eyes flicking away for just a second before settling back on mine. "You ask too many questions," she murmured, a wry smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "You act as though you’re entitled to answers.""Maybe I am," I replied, my voice quiet but firm. "Or maybe I just want to understand the woman who haunts my thoughts even in the quietest hours."She raised an eyebrow. "You don’t even know me.""Not yet," I said, taking another step closer. "But I want to."Her expression shifted ever so slightly, as if warring with something deep inside her. Her hands curled into fists at her sides, then relaxed again. Her breath hitched—but only briefly—as if catching herself from slipping."You speak like a man who's used to getting his way," she said coolly, folding her arms. "And yet here you are, still asking, still unsure.""That's because you're not like anyone I’ve met before," I admitted. "You're not impress

  • The Forbidden Gaze   Chapter 48

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  • The Forbidden Gaze   Chapter 47

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  • The Forbidden Gaze   Chapter 46

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