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 ...