~SCARLETT.

"W-what?" The word slipped from my lips for the second time, breathless and unsure.

Liam didn't move. He looked calm, too calm, and it made my skin tingle. "This morning... when I saw you naked, you panicked."

The reminder sent a jolt through my chest, and I quickly looked away.

"If this is going to work, Scarlett, I need you to trust me to see you-not when you're high on GHB. Not when you're vulnerable or trying to escape. But right at this moment. Now. Present. Aware."

A lump ...