LILA'S POV
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NEXT DAY...
Darius’s hand lingered on my cheek a moment longer before he stepped back.
The fire in the corner cracked softly, the shadows stretching across the big room. I sat on the edge of the bed, watching him as he paced slowly, like he was thinking through something important.
Finally, he turned toward me. His dark eyes caught the light, steady and sure. “I’m done keeping you behind locked doors,” he said. His voice wasn’t loud, but it was firm. “You’re not a prisoner anymore, Lila. You’re mine. They need to see that.”
My breath hitched. “See… me? You mean… out there?” My voice sounded small even to me.
“Yes.” He moved closer, stopping right in front of me. He rested a hand on my shoulder, warm and steady. “Tonight.”
A nervous flutter rose in my chest. The though
