Keep You

Having given up, Islinda was about to get off Aldric's lap only for him to wrap his hand around her, holding her in place. 

Her heart skipped a beat, a flicker of hope igniting within her. 

Islinda recalled that moment when Aldric had initially ignored her, only to later embrace her from behind because he couldn't resist being close to her. It gave her a glimmer of false hope, a fleeting thought that perhaps things weren't as bad as they seemed. Islinda dared to believe this might be a repetition of that tender gesture.

But as she met Aldric's gaze, all she saw was a condescending glare. Her hope crumbled instantly, replaced by a hollow feeling of despair.

"Where do you think you're going?" 

"What?" Islinda was no longer feeling comfortable with his hands on her.