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awns. His features were calculating and crisp, and his clothing was immaculate. "Rebel," he whispered, his voice as calm and low as a storm's eye. "It has been a while." "Daniel," I spat, my voice full of poison. My vision faded before I could throw myself at him. The world tilted to one side as I was overcome with pain and fatigue. Before I could fall to the ground, he grabbed me and held me in his arms as though I were weak, which was so alien that even in my weaker position, I was angry. My body was slipping into something too soft to be true. When I woke up to the faint murmur of voices. I blinked against the intense brightness overhead, trying to piece tog

air near the bed. "But you required it." Something was disturbing about the way he gazed at me-not sympathy, not even interest. He seemed to be able to see right through the barriers I had put up around me because it was so powerful, raw, and relentl

shirt hanging by the door. It was far too large for me, but I slipped it on. When I returned to the room, it was empty save for Daniel. "You're persistent," I said, breaking the silence. He looked up, his lips quirking into a small smile. "It's one of my better qualities." "That's debatable." He gestured for me to sit. I hesitated but sat eventually "You have questions," he said simply. "No kidding," I muttered. "Let's start with why you're so interested in me." "Because you're you," he said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "And because I can't forget what it felt like to lose you." I stared at him, trying to decipher his words. "You don't even know me." "I know enough," he said firmly. "I know you're stronger than anyone I've ever met. I know you've been running from something-or someone-for a long time. And I know that whatever it is, it's not going to stop unless someone stands with you." "Is that what you think you're doing? Standing with me?" I laughed bitterly. "You don't know what you're getting into." "Maybe not," he admitted. "But I'm willing to find out." I shook my head, frustration bubbling to the surface. "You're insane." "Maybe," he said, unbothered by my outburst. "But I'd rather be insane with you than sane without you." We sat in silence for a long moment, the weight of his words hanging between us. Despite everything, I felt a flicker of something I hadn't allowed myself to feel in years-hope. "I'm not staying," I said finally, my voice softer now. He leaned forward, his gaze steady. "I'm not asking you to. But I'll be here, whether you like it or not." "You're stubborn," I said with a faint smile. "And you're worth it," he replied. I tried to move away from him, just a little bit because at some point I had gotten too close and Lord knows that with the attraction I feel towards him it wouldn't be a good idea to get closer but before I'm able to pull back fully, he pulls me back in and he kisses my lips slowly at first and before I'm fully aware of what's happening, I'm flat on my back, I'm naked, he's naked and he's devouring me fully and all I can think of is that this is a bad idea but as he nibbles his kisses down my neck and as he swirls over my nibbles, I'm done. For the first time in all my life, I just want to surrender to somebody, I've