He leaned back slightly, still watching her with that same calm expression. "So you will stay here," he finished gently, "where I can keep you safe and watch you." The sweetness of his voice did nothing to soften the terrifying meaning behind his words.
Her brows drew together in confusion and fear. "Then… why?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "What do you want from me?"
Edmund's smile returned, faint but unmistakable. He leaned back slightly, studying her as though the answer should have been obvious. "Is that not so clear?" he said calmly.
Ariel stared at him, her heart pounding harder with every passing second. "I want you."he said, his eyes roamed over her briefly, lingering at her chest before returning to her face.
Ariel's body warmed instantly, a flush creeping across her skin despite the fear still crawling at her chest. "You… you can't just…" she stammered, her voice trembling, but Edmund held up a hand, cutting her off.
