Elena’s POV

The heat still pulsed through me like a fever with no center, no logic, no mercy. Every breath dragged through my chest like smoke, sharp enough to make my eyes sting.

Damien hadn’t moved from where he sat, yet the weight of his gaze pressed into me harder than any touch. It was maddening how calm he looked, as if he were somehow untouched by the storm clawing through my body.

I tried to turn away from him. I tried to breathe through it. I reminded myself of every humiliation ...