Chapter 40 · You're afraid of me

He leaned closer.

His breath touched my cheek. My body went still before my mind could order it not to.

"You're afraid of me," he murmured.

"I'm afraid of what happens when I stop being afraid."

For the first time, his control cracked. His eyes dropped to my lips again, and his grip tightened by a fraction.

"Ivy."

My name sounded rough in his mouth.

I could feel his heartbeat through the thin fabric between us. Fast now. Not calm. Not untouchable.

That gave me power, and I grabbed it.

"You want to kiss me?" I asked.

His gaze snapped back to mine. "Do you want me to?"

"I asked first."

"You don't get to hide behind a question."

"You hide behind orders every day. Why should I play fair?"

His face came closer.

One inch.

Maybe less.

I should have turned away. I should have kicked his knee, reached for the knife, done anything that would put space between us.

Instead, my fingers curled against his wrists.

"Tell me to stop," he said.

The words were quiet. The command wasn't.

I stared at his mouth.

"You stop when I tell you?"

"With you, yes."

"That's a dangerous promise.