Chapter 84. Tell Me the Truth

Xerina’s POV

Just then, as Rasmus’s lips claimed mine with relentless intensity, Lila’s face flashed before my eyes—her scared eyes, her growing belly. The betrayal, the fury I had buried deep inside surged back to the surface, obliterating every incoherent thought that had scattered under Rasmus’s touch. The warmth that had filled me moments ago turned into a cold, bitter rage.

With a surge of strength fueled by anger, I pushed against his chest harshly, my palms shoving at him with all the force I could muster. But he didn’t budge, didn’t even pause.

Panic and frustration twisted inside me as he continued to press his body against mine, his lips moving over mine with a hunger that refused to be denied. Desperation drove me to do the only thing I could think of—I bit down on his lip, hard enough to taste the metallic tang of blood.

He didn’t flinch. Instead, he pulled away slightly, just enough to look down at me with a hooded gaze, his eyes narrowin