Thalina wanted to scream. Break something. Bite him.
How could someone so infuriating exist?
"And another thing—!"
"You're not going anywhere," he said calmly, cutting through her storm like a blade through butter.
It wasn't loud. It wasn't harsh. But it froze her mid-step.
Thalina's chest heaved. Her lips trembled. The heat rising in her throat didn't stop. If anything, it burned hotter.
"You can't just decide that!" she spat. "I'm not one of your little snakes that follows commands and slithers into your lap just because you said so! I have a mind. I have a choice. I didn't choose this!"
His gaze dropped to her lips. Just for a second.
That was all it took.
"Stop looking at me like that!" she exploded, stepping closer, jabbing a finger against his chest. "Stop being calm! Stop acting like you know everything, like you own everything, like you own me! You're not some god I have to bow to just because your voice is deep and your abs sparkle under moonlight!"
