When he came for me, I knew what he had seen. I had gone back into the flames for that crystal necklace, holding onto it like it meant more than my own life.
Now, sitting in front of him, I tightened my grip on the hospital gown and spoke softly, "You didn't have to go that far to save me."
His brows lifted sharply, his expression turning cold. "Didn't have to?" His voice dropped, edged with something dangerous. "Vivian, what are you saying? You think I would just stand there and watch you die?"
I couldn't hold his gaze. The weight in his eyes made my chest tighten, so I turned away. "You should have just protected yourself. I'm not worth that kind of risk."
The moment the words left my mouth, I felt the shift in him.
He had been holding back, I could tell. But now, something snapped.
He stood up despite his injuries. In one quick motion, his bandaged hand gripped my chin and forced me to face him. His touch was firm, commanding, the kind that left no room for refusal.
