Chapter 43

Natasha

I squint my eyes, barely able to see. The pain in my limbs is excruciating, and I think death would be a kinder fate than to keep breathing through heaving lungs. My skin is on fire, and the two glowing orbs belonging to Hayden study my physical state.

"I know you're afraid of me, but if you meet my eyes, I could remove that ugly fear from your heart."

"No, don't take my fear," I say, despite being afraid. My voice is weak and exhausted, but it's honest and filled with emotion. "I'm tired of running. It's everything I do. When things get hard, I find a way out..."

Hayden is silent for a while, then he inhales. "You don't want that anymore?"

"No," a giggle slips out through my lips, and I meet his eyes, smiling with genuine feelings not caused by hypnosis. "You frighten me, but maybe that's because I like you. I've feared what other people will think, terrified of—"

I hesitate. My head is spinning. I know what I want to say, but