I can feel that little ripple of discomfort start to solidify. The same one that screams, Don’t f*****g do it from the second I leave Alyssa’s company until the second I return.
“There it is,” she whispers with her eyes on me.
“You may not know it, but you’re already looking for ways to push me away. I know that expression. I see it every time you pick a fight with me.”
My jaw clenches. I pull my hand away and get to my feet.
“Let me guess.” She laughs quietly. “You need to leave. I probably won’t see you again for days until you cave and come down to see me under some more false pretenses.” Dragging her eyes up to meet mine, she asks, “Is it so horrible to accept that I might be more than just your prisoner?”
“You are just my prisoner. You’re the one who’s trying to change the narrat
