Joanne’s POV
The room was silent, long after Prince Kyle’s departure. I stared at the closed door as if his figure still loomed in the entryway. My heart thudding rapidly against my chest, a dangerous shudder running through me. His shadow still lingered in the room, like smoke, making it difficult for me to breathe.
My chest rose and fell too quickly; breath caught somewhere between fury and fear. His threat was clear, and I knew with certainty that I could never be safe.
Alexander didn’t move right away. His jaw was tight, fists clenched at his sides. Only when the silence grew heavy enough to crush me did he turn back.
The hardness in his eyes softened the moment our eyes met.
Joanne,” he said, voice lower now, steady.
I swallowed and wrapped my arms around myself. My body tr
