CRYSTAL POV
The authority in his voice made everything in the room stand still. The guard nodded quickly and stepped out, shutting the door behind him.
Silence returned. But it wasn't the same as before.
Ryan's hand dropped from my neck slowly.
"He's not leaving," I said quietly.
Ryan didn't answer.
That was enough of an answer. My stomach tightened.
"He wants me," I continued. "Not just to threaten me, he hates me already. He would do anything to chance me out or worst kill me."
Ryan's jaw tightened. "I know."
The way he said it made my chest feel tight. I let out a shaky breath. "Then why does it feel like I'm already dead?"
The words slipped out before I could stop them.
Ryan went stilled completely. He stepped closer slowly.
"You're not dying," he
