Alec’s jaw clenched as his eyes burned into Melissa’s face. The icy silence stretched between them like a wire pulled tight, ready to snap at any moment.
“Don’t pity her,” Alec said suddenly, his voice sharp and low. “Don’t fall for her sweet stories or that trembling voice of hers. You think I’m a monster, don’t you? Then keep it that way.”
His words sliced through the room, and Melissa flinched slightly, not because of his tone—but because of the wounded fury behind it.
“You see me as an animal, right?” he continued, standing up slowly, towering over her. “Then treat me like one. That’s easier for you, isn’t it?”
Melissa opened her mouth slightly, but no words came. He didn’t wait for any. His stare hardened further as he pointed toward the door.
“Get out.”
The order came cold and
