Page 37 of Forbidden Fate

Tied to a bed but still defiant.

“I’ve never been to Romania,” I say.

The shift is intentional. I need her talking. I need time.

She blinks. “It’s beautiful. I’d love to return. Despite everything.”

“Yeah?”

She nods. “The architecture, the mountains, the food. God, the food.”

“What kind?” I ask.

“A lot of grilled meats, stews, fresh bread.”

I lean back slightly against the wall, letting the tension in my shoulders ease just enough. There’s one element of her story that has piqued my interest more than it should.

“And the belly dancing?” I ask.

She lifts her brows. “You’re interested in that part?”

“I’m interested in anything that keeps you talking,” I say.

She studies me for a second.

Then—

“Belly dancing is harder than it looks,” she says. “It takes a lot of control. A lot of isolation of muscles.”

“Oh?”

She blinks. Narrows her eyes a bit. “Want a demonstration?”

I go still. “You’re tied to a bed,” I point out.

She gives a sly smile. “Yeah. That does present a problem.”

15

ROBIN

I hold his gaze.

A flicker of doubt crosses his face. Tension creeps into his shoulders.

He should hesitate.

He does hesitate.

“You’re restrained for a reason,” he says.

I tilt my head. “We’re locked inside. You’re armed. I’m not.”

He twists his lips.

“You already proved you can overpower me,” I add. “If I try anything, you’ll stop me.”

A pause.