His words hit me like a blow.

“Sleep with me, Lyra. Right now. No excuses.”

For a second, I just stood there, my throat tight, my fingers trembling at my side.

There was a time when I would have given in without question. When I thought giving more of myself would make him love me more. That woman was gone now but the shadow of her hesitation still lingered.

“Jason…" I said slowly, careful not to let my voice shake. “You’re still recovering. You shouldn’t be forcing yourself like this.”

His eyes narrowed. “So that’s it? That's your excuse?"

The silence that followed was sharp. He studied me with that...