The Price of Control

Darius’s POV

She flinched. From my touch.

From me.

Like she was afraid.

As if I would hurt her!

At once, I stepped back, moving my hands away from her. What didn’t she understand about this situation? Couldn’t she see that I simply meant to keep her safe by keeping her close?

Bryce might have done so in the past, but it wasn’t his responsibility. As Valerie was my mate, the duty was entirely mine.