Chapter 25 You're Mine

• Arabelle.
• "Stay with me," Lucian's voice was low, possessive, and dominant. His words wrapped around me like chains, binding me to him even as my heart rebelled. I had made vows, promises to another life, to another man. But here, in this strange, isolated estate, Lucian's claim felt absolute.
• I opened my mouth to speak, but I already knew he wouldn't listen. His eyes, burning with that intense, unrelenting gaze, wouldn't hear anything but the words he wanted to hear. My protest, my need to return to Wilkshire, wouldn't change his mind. At that moment, I felt powerless, as though my words would be swallowed by the very air between us.