"You were not supposed to step out of this room without my permission," his voice came as

his finger underneath her chin, forced her to look up at him, "my little lady,"

"I understand now. I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice barely audible. She desperately

wished to be far away from him, out of this suffocating room, and beyond his overpowering

presence.

His piercing gaze lingered on her, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. He could see the

defiance brewing within her, the error in her ...