Danika’s P.O.V

“Then show me, Danika. Show me you’re not,” he demanded.

I licked my lips. “How?” I asked.

“Show me you’re not,” he said again. “By dancing with me.”

And then, a slow, melodic song began — the very song that had started all of this.

I looked at him, tears already trickling down my cheeks. He was taunting me. I knew he was testing my strength, and I had every right to refuse — every right to turn him down. But I ventured further, trying to prove to him that I wasn’t a coward, summoning strength I barely had.

His arm, already on my waist, drew me closer...