Losing Lina was worse than death. A thousand arrows rained down on Kaden, his entire body rigid as a rock, a tidal wave coming to drown him.

  Kaden could barely breathe when she was gone. The only thing he could think of was her. When he slept, he dreamt of her soft caress on his face, when he breathed, he tried to remember what she smelled like, and when he spoke, he wished she was the one listening.

  "Begging?" Kaden repeated, lowering his stare.

  Lina could feel her heart growing paralyzed by him. He's always had that undeniable charm. Each tender touch was fire on her skin. His breathy laugh tickled her insides. And when he glanced at her, she could barely speak.

  Kaden's anger made her feel like a tiny ship struggling in a turbulent ocean. Her heart swayed at his emotions. She knew he was not the kind to beg or grovel. A man like him who's ruled the world, lead an army by himself, and swung his weapon with might, would never bow his head.

  "Or you could always wipe my memories again. Make me forget everything I've built."

  Kaden glowered at her sharp words, digging into his chest and drawing blood. Only she had this horrible effect on him. Lina was his salvation and his torment.

  "Never." Kaden's grip tightened on her chin. She didn't even wince. "Never again."

  Lina wondered if he perfected the art within the five years that passed between them. Maybe he practiced on another unwilling woman. With his hands, how many did he harm? How many people fell prey to his trap?

  "I will not beg or grovel, dove."

  Lina knew this was going to happen. She calculated every single prediction possible. Holding back a small laugh, she turned her face away from him.

  "Of course not, great king," Lina gritted out.

  Lina hated how close they were. Heat rolled off of his large body. She could practically feel his skin against hers. Her body remembered how it felt to be held against his muscular chest.

  The sight of Kaden's aloof expression angered her. Leave it to him to remain calm. Then, she saw it. His jaw ticked. He clenched his teeth, grabbed her wrist, and tugged at it.

  "Where are we going?" Lina demanded when he began to yank her out of the parking lot.

  Lina resisted, but it was impossible. He was much stronger than her. He towered over her, his shadow a frightening thing to witness on the sidewalk.

  "To see Milo," Kaden said like it was nothing. "I'll take you."

  "I don't need your help."

  "You never did," Kaden murmured, glancing towards her.

  Lina thought he was ridiculing her, but his tone implied otherwise. He spoke gently, as if he knew it was the truth as well. With a deep scowl, she allowed him to take her towards his car.

  Chilly wind of autumn blew past them, his suit jacket slapping against the element. Her breath hitched when she saw the sliver of a new gun. Tucked behind his waistband, she knew what he intended to do.

  "I'm billing you for damages," Lina snapped.

  "Good for you."

  "My car—"

  "Your car shouldn't have blocked my path," Kaden shamelessly told her.

  "I wish you were ran over during the traffic," Lina stated.

  "Don't we all?"

  Lina narrowed her eyes, despite the twitch of her lips. He wouldn't die anyway. Speaking of which, Lina had always wondered how their love story would play out. When she grew old and wrinkled, what would happen? Would she have to become a Pure-Blood vampire? Would she lose her humanity?

  Lina didn't want to be turned. Lina didn't crave eternity where all of her loved ones died before her eyes. Call her selfish, but she wanted to be human. She loved her humanity. She loved the warmth of her skin when she hugged herself, adored the color on her cheeks, and admired the beat of her heart.

  When Lina died in this lifetime, what shall happen to Kaden?——

  "Stop here," Lina announced.

  Kaden smoothly rolled the car to the sidewalk. He gazed outside and saw it was the supermarket near Milo's house. He narrowed his eyes at the families walking by with their shopping carts.

  "You can head back now," Lina told him.

  Before Kaden could respond, Lina threw the door open and stepped outside. She didn't wait for him. Lina approached a cart, cleansed the railing with a wipe, and began to make her way into the grocery store. Knowing Milo, his fridge was as empty as her wine bottles.

  Lina lost count of how many days Milo went without any ingredients in his fridge. He'd poke at her by wondering if she also forgot how much she drank before waking up hungover.

  Sometimes, Lina wondered where it went wrong with Milo. He had such a bright future ahead of him, but threw it away. Why? It wasn't like Milo was as unloved as Lina. Milo grew up with the purest form of love from their parents, who conceived him with glee and birthed him with excitement.

  Lina was the unwanted child that tied down a couple that should've broken up. Milo was the anchor that kept them together. They were worlds apart.

  "My goodness, is that…"

  "What a charming couple."

  "Now those are newlyweds for sure."

  At the whispering, Lina's head snapped around. Her stomach dropped when she saw him. With hands tucked into his pockets, proud shoulders, and indifferent gaze, he sauntered behind her. Kaden walked like he owned the entire supermarket chain.

  "Buy this," Kaden said, picking up the nearest passionfruit pastry. He effortlessly placed the item into her cart.

  "You shameless—"

  "You like passionfruit flavored things," Kaden stated.

  Lina was floored. After half a decade, she didn't think he'd remember her taste. Seeing her shocked expression, his lips curled. She scolded herself for looking longer than necessary. For a brief moment, she wavered.

  Kaden rested a hand on the cart. Lina stiffened. He was unbearably close to her, but made no moves to touch her. He was doing this on purpose.

  "Brute."

  "I point out your favorite things and you insult me," Kaden mused. "I'm beginning to think you have a brat kink."

  Lina's head snapped to him in disbelief. Her breath was caught in her throat. Kaden had lowered his head. His face was right in front of hers. They were but a breath apart. She could feel his heat envelope around her body.

  "I don't," Lina suddenly said.

  "I don't believe you."

  Kaden reached for her. Lina flinched, pulling back before he could touch her. His gaze darkened. Did someone hit her before? He straightened up, a terrifyingly still expression crossing his face.

  "Who did it?" Kaden calmly asked her. "Who dares to lay a hand on what belongs to me?"