Chapter 213

“I only want a genuine connection.” Trees gripped her arms tighter.

And by his own admission, he felt something for her.

Laila felt something for him, too, though she wished she didn’t.

“I would like to go to sleep.”

Trees glanced over her head at the clock on the wall and cursed. “Yeah, it’s getting late. You’ve got two choices tonight so I can make sure you don’t escape: either I cuff you to your bed or you sleep in mine with me.”

Laila reared back. “I will not run again.”

At least not tonight.

“Sorry if I don’t believe you. I know you’d rather be with your sister, just like I know you’ll do nearly anything to get there. So pick. Are you staying here”—he nodded toward the comfortable queen bed—“or coming with me?”

“You will not cuff me to your bed?”

“No.”

The thought of lying beside Trees, their skin brushing, their eyes meeting in the shadows… It was dangerous, but her heartbeat quickened. Would he touch her? Would he se