Elena's POV

His threat lingered in the air long after the words left his mouth.

I could still feel the pressure of his fingers against my chin, the heat of his breath tangled with mine, the sharp edge of his temper barely leashed beneath that composed exterior he showed the world. My heart was beating so violently that it almost drowned out the silence in the room.

“Let go of me,” I said, though my voice lacked the steadiness I wanted.

Damien didn’t move.

His gaze searched my face as ...