Rose's POV

He appeared startled, evidently struggling to determine what to say next, but I wasn’t granting him that satisfaction. “You’ve done nothing but annoy me, James,” I said, my tone pointed, every word slicing through the stillness between us. "Do you think I'm unaware of your tricks?" I observe all things. You’re so caught up in your little universe, attempting to control everyone around you, and now you’re here pretending to care? "It's disgraceful."

He parted his lips ...