The silence between them was suffocating.Lucian's last words."You should go"hung in the air like a blade pressed to her throat.But Caliste didn't move.Her trembling hand still rested on the doorknob, yet her feet refused to obey. For the first time since she stepped into that penthouse, she felt a rush of something unfamiliarDefiance.She turned slowly, her eyes glistening but determined. "No," she whispered.Lucian's eyes snapped toward her, his expression darkening. "What did you just say?""I said no," Caliste whispered, her voice trembling but steady. "I'm not leaving."His tone sharpened, the steel in his voice enough to make anyone else flinch. "Don't test my patience, Caliste.""You can throw me out if you want," she said, stepping closer, "but I'm not leaving until you listen."Lucian's jaw tightened. "You have no right to demand anything here.""I'm not demanding," she whispered, her voice cracking. "I'm begging you."He laughed bitterly, shaking his head. "Begging? Y
Read more