Chapter Twenty-Eight: Resist

His eyes lower to my lips, no doubt perplexed by the smile that I cannot seem to keep at bay.

It could be my imagination, but his face draws closer to mine, and his grip on my neck lessens, not that it matters; I am already certain his hand will leave a bruise that will again keep me indoors for longer than I wish.

"Mua..aas."

The instant I pry the name from my constricted throat, his grip opens. If it were not for the door’s support, I would have crumbled to the ground.

A series of coughs escapes my lips as oxygen rushes into my airway.

He doesn't apologise. He doesn't even feign concern; merely waits for my coughing to subside and then tilts my chin to meet his face.

He wants to issue a warning, I can tell.

I despise how his height permits him to look down on me with ease; it's even worse that the coughing has wet my eyes.

I must look pathetic in his gaze.

"Did you like that...me calling you Muaas as she does. Or do you hate it from my lips because I am not below the age of eighteen