Evaline:
The words slipped out before I could stop them.
Something in my voice must have reached him, because he paused... actually paused.
His gaze lifted to mine, studying me more closely this time. And for a brief moment, something unreadable flickered in his eyes.
But it didn't last.
"I don't have time for your games, Eva," he said flatly.
My heart pounded as I realized I couldn't convince him. He was going to do it anyway.
Of course he was.
So I grasped at the only thing I could think of.
"Wait," I said quickly. "At least… at least lock my hands in the front."
He stilled.
"My arms…" I continued, wincing slightly for effect though it wasn't entirely fake. "They hurt. Please."
For a second, I thought he would refuse. But then, he leaned closer until he was right in front of me.
