"I'll be so good to you, so stay here with me."
Kel couldn't breath.
Warmth from the emperor's body seeped into her own. She could feel the thudding of his heart against her left shoulder blade, and his whisperings left a dewy residue on her earlobe. The musky scent of his skin filled her nose.
As they stood, the emperor slowly dragged her outstretched hand back toward her body. He pulled it across her stomach and held it firmly in place. Her other arm was free, but dangled uselessly by her side.
Kel winced at the throbbing from the man's sharp jawline digging into her shoulder, but still, she couldn't move.
"I won't make you love me," the emperor's voice rumbled in Kel's ear, breaking the silence between them.
"E-excuse me?" she jolted.
"You can love that man, Dashien or whatever. I don't care," the emperor went on, holding her firmly in his arms, "As long as you promise not to run away."
Huh? Why would he suddenly bring Dash up?
