Selene had spent years building walls around herself—walls meant to keep people out, to protect what was left of her battered heart.
But Kieran had never cared for barriers.
He had shattered them with a single touch.
Now, as he held her against him, his breath warm against her skin, Selene felt the weight of something irreversible settling over her.
This wasn't just a stolen moment.
It wasn't just desire.
It was something darker, something dangerously close to obsession.
And the terrifying part?
She liked it.
Kieran's fingers tilted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. His golden eyes burned with possession, his grip unyielding. "You keep fighting this, Selene," he murmured. "Why?"
She swallowed hard, her pulse hammering. "Because I don't know where it leads."
Kieran smirked, his hand trailing down her arm. "You do."
A shiver ran through her. He wasn't wrong.
She did know.
She just wasn't sure she was ready to face it.
"You think you can claim me?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Kieran's smirk deepened, his grip tightening. "I already have."
Selene sucked in a sharp breath, her body betraying her as she leaned into him.
This was dangerous.
This was reckless.
But for the first time in years, she didn't care.
Because whatever was happening between them was no longer something she could fight.
And, deep down, she wasn't sure she wanted to anymore.
Kieran brushed his lips against her ear, his voice a dark promise. "You're mine, Selene. And I don't share."
Her breath hitched, her heart pounding.
She knew she should push him away.
Knew she should run.
But instead, she whispered, "Then prove it."
Kieran's eyes darkened, a slow, wicked grin spreading across his face.
And in that moment, Selene knew—
She had just sealed her fate.