Caden’s POV

She stayed on the floor for a moment, coughing and trying to steady her breathing after I released her throat, and for a second I thought maybe she would understand the situation she was in and keep quiet and leave.

But Daphne had never been that kind of person. I know too well.

Slowly, she pushed herself up to her feet, her hand brushing against her neck as if she could still feel my grip there. Her eyes lifted to meet mine, and the shock that had been there a few seconds ago started fading away.

It was replaced by something else.

Stubbornness. Defiance. Challenge.

And that same...