Those were the exact words I was supposed to say, but I snapped my lips shut before they could tumble out of my mouth.

If I said it now, Ethan might not agree, knowing clearly I was trying to trap him.

It was better to ask for it later, after he had taken what he needed from me.

“I’ll tell you my request after,” I said.

He pressed his lips in a thin line at my words.

The unsteady rise and fall of his chest made me uneasy because he looked like he was in so much pain.

“Fine,” he ...