Recollection

thirty-four | MHC

song: King Princess - Fantastic

"I'm not going to say this again." My voice was firm as I locked eyes with Atticus. The intensity in his gaze didn't falter, but his jaw tightened. "You are not going to kill her."

"If she gives me a reason, you bet your fine ass I will," he shot back, his hands gripping my hips tighter, grounding me in place as if daring me to contradict him.

I glared at him, my nails digging into the muscles of his shoulders. The tension between us was thick, an electric charge that sparked with every word.

"Fine. Whatever you say," he conceded, his tone begrudging. "But don't expect me to be friendly, though."

"I didn't ask you to be friends with her," I snapped. "I only asked you not to kill her the moment you see her."

I tried to shift, to move off him and end the conversation, but his hold on me didn't falter. He held me firmly in place, his grip a warning.

"If she tries anything, I—"

"She has changed." My objection came quick, sharp, as I cut him off.

His eyes narrowed, the ice in them unwavering. "People may change," he said, his voice low and rough, "but their past actions never will. She hurt you, Lia. Twice. She's the reason I lost you twice. Do you think I will sit back and let a third time happen?"

"I can take care of myself," I protested, defiance lacing my words.

His expression softened—just slightly—but his grip didn't. "I know you can," he murmured, his tone gentler now. "You've shown me time and time again. But that doesn't mean you have to. Not anymore."

His words hit something deep within me, and I paused, my breath catching. Slowly, I cupped his cheek, my thumb brushing along the rough stubble of his jawline. His eyes softened just a fraction more as I leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to his lips.

"I love you," I whispered, the words carrying both a promise and a plea. "You're not getting rid of me that easily."

The corner of his mouth lifted into a faint smirk, the dimple on his cheek teasing me. But before I could say more, a sudden jolt of turbulence shook the plane, and I lost my balance. I fell further onto him, my lips grazing against his as my hair tumbled around us like a dark curtain.

For a moment, the world stilled. His hands slid up my back, and his smile deepened, a wicked glint in his eyes. "You okay there, firecracker?"

I could feel his chest vibrating with restrained laughter, and when my nipple piercings brushed against his skin, he let out a low hum of approval. That damn dimple was taunting me now, and before I could stop myself, I leaned down and licked it.

His reaction was instant. Something in him snapped, and his eyes darkened with pure, unrestrained hunger.

"Bad move, sweetling," he growled, his voice a dangerous rasp.