35 Here

"Real. Hard… Izabelle."

Those last three words had Elle's heart hammering itself into frenzy within her ribcage. Her throat ran dry as an inexplicable tremor ran powerfully through her. The feel of her slightly damp hair being fisted by him felt… it felt…

"And that isn't something you can handle no matter how you brave yourself." He continued. His voice remained low, but she could almost taste the warning in them. "So, I would give you another reminder again. Do. Not… Touch me."

Fighting back hard the urge to gulp down in fear, Elle lifted her hands a little, bringing them together before her as she mustered up a smile.

"I see… then, I think it's better if you tie my hands. Better to be safe than sorry, right?" she said, trying to calm her now chaotic heart.

Sebastian's grip in her hair loosened and she relaxed a little. Still, she dared not breathe out in relief. Not yet, at least.