Hazel's POV
I lay flat on my back, determinedly avoiding Kael's eyes. Above me, the feared Lycan King hovered like a predator, his arms caging me on either side of my head. The soft mattress dipped under our combined weight, creating a subtle gravity that pulled me toward him.
How we'd moved from the daybed to here was a blur. One moment I was on his lap, the next he'd carried me to this bed, laying me down with unexpected gentleness.
"Look at me," he commanded, his voice rough with need.
I kept my gaze fixed on the ceiling. One glance and I might shatter completely.
"Stubborn little human," he murmured, his breath warm against my cheek.
His lips brushed my jaw, featherlight and teasing. I squeezed my eyes shut, fighting the wave of heat that rushed through me.
"You can close your eyes," he whispered near my ear, "but you can't hide from this."
