I stiffened, my throat tightening at the sound of light footsteps crossing the marble floor.
Unmistakable.
He was here.
I kept my eyes fixed on the trees beyond the glass, branches swaying violently in the wind.
I smelled it before I felt him behind me.
Blood.
That sharp, metallic scent I had trained myself to get used to for years.
I shut my eyes, fingers digging into the edge of the window frame. My stomach lurched, nausea rising fast. I swallowed it down, teeth clenched, but the dizziness still came. My body swayed—
And my back collided with his chest.
"Red."
His voice brushed against my ear, low and rough. His hands settled firmly on my shoulders.
"Look at me."
"No," I whispered, the word breaking in my throat. "Don't make me."
"It's an order."
Before I could resist, he turned me, pressing me against the cold glass.
My eyes flew open.
Blood. It was everywhere.
Across his face. Tangled in his dark hair. Soaking into what had once been a pristine white shirt. Even his hands were stained red.
"W-what did you do?" I choked.
Kairos smiled. Not amused. Not apologetic.
One hand slid to my waist, gripping me firmly as he pulled me flush against him. Heat flooded my body despite the terror clawing at my chest.
"I told you," he murmured darkly, "anyone who touches you dies by my hand."
His thumb brushed slowly along my jaw, and stupidly, I leaned back giving him more acess.
"And you said I could do whatever I desired with him." His gaze didn't waver. "So I did."
I stared at him, horror and something far more dangerous tangling inside me.
He leaned closer, his voice a husky whisper, "Happy Valentine's Day, Red."