"You really didn't want me out of the picture? An easy and clean goodbye?" I act like it's a joke with a half-smile and move to turn away, but he catches my wrist and tugs me back. Knocking me breathless with the way I'm spun and pushed up against the wall behind me, next to those screens. My head is cushioned by his hand right behind the back, hitting the drywall softly.

"I told you... I would never have hurt you like that." He leans in, caging me in and moving a flat palm to either side of my shoulders, my palms pressed to his chest to keep his distance,...