Chapter 121. Entangled in Fantasy

 “I—my childhood wasn’t… look, it doesn’t matter. I just learned real fast that if I didn’t claw my way to the top, I’d be stomped on. So I do what I need to. I guess Adam sees it as manipulation, but it’s survival for me.” I wiped my cheeks, letting my voice quiver. He studied my face, lips curving in a half-smile tinged with faint sympathy.

“Maybe you should’ve learned how to be less savage with your claws, hmm?” he teased gently, a flicker of humor in his gaze.

“Too late for that,” I whispered. “I’m just… no one else has stood up for me, you know?” I let out a watery laugh. He shrugged, his golden eyes flicking up at me. Even in the low lamplight, they were intense.

“I’m a sucker for lost causes,” he replied, deadpan, then followed it with a small, cocky grin. “Besides, I’m pretty sure you owe me now.”

“Owe you?” A small jolt of alarm tugged my stomach. Chase made a mocking show of thought, tapping his chin. “I keep you alive, yo