Rose's POV

I ultimately came to a stop. Continuing to walk was futile. He wasn't about to let me be, and I wasn't interested in experiencing more of his antics. Gently, I rotated to confront him. His face revealed nothing, yet the tension in his stance communicated all I required to understand. He felt angry, frustrated, and resolute about reaching me—whatever that signified for him.

“What did you say?” I spoke, my tone chillier than I meant, but it made no difference. He had to ...