Prologue
"Stop covering yourself," his voice was firm, devoid of sympathy.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she shook her head, pulling the blanket tighter around her trembling body. "Please.." her voice cracked. "Please just let me have it."
He sighed, his patience thinning. With a swift motion, he grabbed the edge of the blanket and yanked it from her grasp. A sob broke from her lips as she scrambled to hold onto it, her fingers desperate to clutch onto the fabric.
"Didn't I make myself clear?" His tone was sharper now, his eyes cold. "You won't wear anything today."
She whimpered, her hands clutching onto the blanket with all her strength. "No.. please," she whispered brokenly, tears spilling down her cheeks. "I promise I won't wear anything, just... just let me have it. Please."
His gaze darkened at her pleas, but there was no softness in him, no hesitation.
"That's not how this works," he muttered, grabbing her wrist, forcing her to face him.
Her body trembled under his hold, her tear-filled eyes looking up at him in sheer helplessness. "Please,' she sobbed, struggling against his grip.
A smirk tugged at his lips. "Then give me something in return," he said smoothly.
She blinked, confused. "W-what?"
His fingers traced along her jaw, tilting her face toward him. "Kiss me," he ordered.
Her lips trembled. "I can't."
"You can." His grip on her wrist tightened as he leaned in, his voice laced with dangerous amusement. "You just don't want to."
She swallowed hard, shaking her head, but he didn't wait for her response. Before she could say another word, he pulled her in, crashing his lips against hers.
A choked whimper escaped her as she tried to pull away, but he held her firm, pressing her closer. Her hands pushed weakly against his chest, but it was useless-he was stronger, ruthless, unwilling to let her go.
The blanket, her last shield, began slipping from her grasp, and panic seized her. But just as it was about to fall completely, his hand moved, catching it, holding it against her body.
He pulled back, his lips inches from hers, his breath warm against her trembling skin. "I told you," he murmured, his fingers brushing away a stray tear from her cheek. "If you kissed me, I'd let you keep it."
Her body shook, her tears still flowing.
"Please don't do this," she begged, her voice barely a whisper.
"You know the rules, Hope" he said, his voice stern. "You have to earn it."
His hand moved from her wrist to her cheek, his thumb brushing away more tears. "Now, kiss me properly."
