His strong arms pulled me closer to him until our bodies were pressed together. His breath stirred the small hair around my ear. He’s so close…

"My love for you isn’t enough to save you from all pain and protect you from all danger. The best that I can do is to keep you locked up in the mansion although I know well that you don’t like it one bit," Hayden whispered solemnly into my ear.

"Hayden…" I whispered his name as other words were robbed from me.

Why does he sound so sad?

"But I do love you and I’ll try my best to protect you no matter what....