"You've got more fight in you than I gave you credit for," he observed, his voice low and smooth. He stepped back a bit, but only just. "But I'm not done with you yet."
Thalina's eyes snapped to his, her face flushed with embarrassment and indignation. He was watching her like a hawk, his gaze calculating, reading every tiny reaction on her face.
"Here's the thing," Eyrx said casually, his hand now resting on her shoulder, fingertips lightly digging into her soft skin. "If you don't start eating, I'll keep feeding you." His voice was low, almost teasing. "And I think you'll find I'm really good at it."
Thalina's breath hitched, but her body refused to betray her anymore. She wouldn't give him that satisfaction. She wouldn't let him win.
But his hand didn't leave her shoulder. It stayed there, firm and unyielding. He wasn't going anywhere. Not until she gave in.
