Page 103 of Ashen Torment

“You are ridiculous.”

He staggers slightly, I move toward him at once, guiding him to the sofa and pushing him down.

“Stay still, damn it.”

He smiles, slipping the handkerchief into his pocket.

“You seem concerned.”

I am.

“I don’t want to be accused of murder.”

He laughs, but the pain stops him, his jaw tightens, his eyes narrowing for a second.

“Can you not stay still?”

He remains silent.

“I am sorry. I didn’t mean to hit you.”

He brings a hand over his eyes, lowering his head.

I take a step back toward the door.

“It needs disinfect—”

A sudden grip stops me, my wrist has been captured again.

“No—wait!” his voice is lower, urgent.

I turn and meet him.

His eyes hold me with an inexplicable force.

Every fiber of my body seems to want to yield under that request. A tremor runs through my limbs, my heart starts hammering so hard it feels as if it wants to burst through my chest.

14

I Don’t Understand You

Evander

Idon’t know how to escape him.

His hand still grips my wrist. I place my fingers over his.

“I beg of you... do not go further.”

He abandons the sofa and stands before me, eyes locked onto mine.

“Further than what?”

I stare back, trying to ignore the tremor running through my veins.

“Further than what is permitted.”

“And what exactly is permitted?”