I can't do this, Katie thought wildly as Roman tugged her forward while he walked backward, their feet whispering against the deck. His dark eyes held her captive. As if sensing her mood, his long fingers slipped from her hands to encircle her delicate wrists, holding her more firmly.

"Roman, I don't need the pain anymore," she tried pleading with him, fearful of his intentions. "I haven't for a long time."

His lips twisted in a grim smile. She shuddered under the ...