For a moment, I can’t speak.
Because the terrifying part isn’t the contract anymore.
It’s the realization that he’s right.
Something is happening between us. Something sharp and inevitable that’s been building since the moment he looked at me like he already knew exactly where I’d end up.
And standing this close to him now, with his arm braced beside me and that calm certainty wrapped around my throat like a velvet leash, I don’t know if I’m trying to escape it anymore.
Ronan watches me carefully.
Not impatient.
Certain.
Like predators don’t rush prey once they know the trap has already closed.
My fingers curl against the edge of the table behind me. “You really expect me to just... walk willingly into this?”
“Yes.”
The answer comes instantly.
No hesitation.
No apology.
I let
