I was breathing heavily, glancing at him sideways. "Don't think it's all over just like that. Those images are etched in my mind, and they've hurt me deeply. I can't ever forget them."

He held me, his tone indulgent. "Then punish me. Make me hold you forever and not let go."

I chuckled at his persistence. This man was truly something else; he'd switch between being firm and soft, making it difficult to argue with him.

"If you dare do that again, I won't forgive you. I wouldn’t care about puni