"A-Ash—"

I couldn’t finish my sentence as he placed a hand on my nape. He lifted me slightly, and pressed his lips against mine.

I wanted to push him away, but I was too weak—not because of the poison, but because of his presence and what he was doing.

He bit my lower lip, forcing my mouth open. Taking advantage of the moment, he slipped something into my mouth.

A capsule?

"That’s your antidote, baby," he said, staring at me. "You can either swallow it or die here instantly.”

It had ...