MAXINE

The door was unlocked and I stepped out. I was careful to keep my face neutral. Ronan was waiting. His eyes swept over me. I kept my head down, hoping he hadn’t noticed the tears I had blinked away.

“Ready to go back?” Ronan asked, gently. As if he didn't give me five more minutes. As if I wasn’t his captive and anything he said wants, goes.

I nodded. “Yes.”

He didn’t move immediately, just watched me with those eyes. I could feel him studying me. It was like he was ...