Chapter 21 —Then do it

Narrator:

Roman didn't remove his hand from her neck. His fingers were firm, wrapping around her with measured force, as if he needed to remind her who was in charge, or remind himself. Because Aylin was trembling, yes, but it wasn't fear, and that was what disarmed him.

That ragged breathing, that warm skin beneath his fingers, that defiant gleam in her eyes, even so, trapped, vulnerable... and beautiful. He moved closer. So close that his breath brushed her cheek.

“I should fire you right now,” he murmured, his voice hoarse, low, laced with sweet venom.

I should make you pack your things and disappear before you finish ruining what little works in this house.

Aylin didn't blink.

“Then do it.”

Roman closed his eyes for a second. One damn second. Because he wasn't going to do it, because he couldn't. He squeezed her hand a little tighter, just to feel it throb against his palm.

“I should send you back to that hole you came from.”

Aylin swallowed, but her voice d