He tilts your head back, forcing you to look into his eyes. "Then why do I see fear?" he growls, his voice rough with emotion. His free hand moves lower, pressing against the curve of your hip and pulling you harder against him. "Tell me the truth, Celia."

His touch is possessive and demanding, igniting a fire inside you that you hadn't even known was there. You squirm against him, feeling both desire and anger coursing through your veins.

He stares at you for a long moment, searching your face for any hint of deception. Finally, he releases you abruptly and steps back, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "Dammit, Celia..."

You breathe heavily, leaning against the wall for support as you try to regain your composure. Your heart pounds in your ears, and you can feel the heat rising in your cheeks. He turns away from you, walking over to the window and staring out at the city below.

"I can't keep doing this," he says finally, his voice strained. "