(Olivia's POV)

The sting of my slap stopped Alexander momentarily, but he only smirked. His eyes grew cold and predatory, like a wolf sizing up its prey.

"Don't touch me," I warned, backing away as far as the bed would allow.

But then his expression softened completely, his voice taking on a pleading tone that I remembered from better times. "Olivia, I really love you. Don't push me away, okay?"

As he leaned in again, I found myself momentarily paralyzed by the ...