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“You can’t just steamroller through this...relationship we’re trying to have.”
“When have I done that?”
“Erm, tonight? When you went over to my house, went through my stuff, and moved me into your house when I specifically said I wanted to wait!”
“I was trying to be nice.”
“You were trying to get your own way,” I accuse. He shrugs.
“So what if I was? It was still a nice thing to do.”
“Having a total stranger rifle through my things is not nice.”
“I’m not a damn stranger, I’m your mate,” he says in a low, dangerous tone.
“That doesn’t change anything,” I insist.
“Princess, it changes everything.”
My heart beats a little faster at the menacing tone he uses to call me princess. How can a term of endearment sound like such a threat? I shiver.
“Look, if this is going to work you have to give me space.”
“No if. This will work. And in order to let it work, you have to lighten up.”
Nothing pisses me off more than being told to lighten up. My ex used to say that all the time and even though I feel enraged at Whit’s words, it’s pain that flashes across my face.
Instantly, he softens. His gaze warms, his muscles relax, and he steps forward to wrap me in a comforting embrace.
“What is it?”
“It’s nothing.”
“Tell me,” he pushes softly.
“I just hate being told to lighten up, chill out, calm down, loosen up. Ade’s father used to say that all the time. It was at the start, one of his earliest forms of manipulation. I just...associate those phrases with his control and how bad things got.”
Whit tenses and steps back, releasing me. I miss him the second he’s gone, even though there’s mere inches between us now.
“What if I told you that Ade’s father could never hurt you again?”
“I’d say it’s a cute sentiment but you don’t know him.”
“What if he couldn’t find you?”
“It’s only a matter of time.” I shake my head. “I appreciate what you’re trying to do but—”
“I know who Lumi’s father is.”
My heart seizes, unable to decide if it wants to drop to my stomach or leap up my throat.
“And I know where he is. Trust me, he isn’t getting anywhere near either of you. Ever.”
I gape at him in shock, unable to even process.
“Lumi? Do you hear me? I said he can’t—”
“What the fuck?”
