Page 146 of Kiss Me Like I Didn't Kill You

He leans in, his breath grazing my ear.

“Don’t do that again,” he murmurs. “Don’t let me see you without my ring on your finger, Ophelia. Or you’ll leave me no choice but to forget the space you’re so adamant about… and remind you exactly who you belong to.”

Heat pools low in my stomach as my breath stutters.

When he finally releases me, I turn away, crossing to my room on unsteady legs. At the vanity, I open the drawer and lift the lid of my jewellery box. The ring gleams up at me. I slide it back onto my finger.

He watches silently from the doorway, his gaze dark, satisfied, possessive.

“That ring stays where it belongs,” he says. “Because you’re mine, Ophelia. Like it or not.”

“Happy now?” I ask, folding my arms.

A faint, knowing smile curves his mouth. “Not quite,” he drawls. “I’d be happier if you wore my last name too. I could call someone and have us married within twenty minutes.”

I gape at him. “You’re insane.”

He smirks, his eyes burning. “For you, always. But I’m deadly serious.”

“We’re not getting married,” I tell him firmly, lifting my hand between us. “See? The ring’s back. I’m not taking it off again. Now you can leave.”

For a moment, his gaze lingers on me. Then his voice softens, gentle, but laced with warning. “Remember, don’t evertake it off again,” he says. “Not unless you’re ready to start a war.”

He turns toward the door, his hand already on the handle. But before leaving, he glances back over his shoulder.

“No horse riding for the next few days,” he says evenly. “Your doctor hasn’t cleared you yet.”

I blink, caught off guard. “How do you—” I stop myself.

Of course he knows. He probably hacked into their system.

He gives me one last look before leaving, the soft click of the door echoing through the quiet room.

I stay where I am, staring at the space he’s just left, my heart heavy, my throat tight.

Everything inside me feels at odds.

I wanted him to go, yet I wish he hadn’t.

I want what we had back, but the hurt’s still there, and I’m too afraid to reach for it.

Chapter 53

Ophelia

After putting most of my things back in the closet, I head straight for the stables.

Bellamy whinnies the moment he sees me, and the sound nearly breaks me.

I’ve missed him so much.

When I press my cheek to his neck, the familiar scent of hay and warmth settles over me, a comfort I hadn’t realised I needed.

Unfortunately, I can’t stay long, so I say goodbye and make my way to my first class.

After a few more back to back lectures, I’m completely spent. My incision has started to ache again, and all I can think about is my bed.

I don’t even bother with the dining hall. I’ll make myself a sandwich, something quick and light. I just need a bit of peace.