❥ @bak3rs [ 𝙶𝙴𝚃𝚂 𝙰 𝚂𝚃𝙰𝚁𝚃𝙴𝚁. ] : accepting !
Paul’s fingers tightened around her throat, pressing her back until her spine hit the solid wall. He watched the panic flare in Ellie's eyes, his own pulse steady, far too detached. He squeezed harder, his grip crushing her airway as she gasped for a breath that wouldn't come. He watched her struggle, his hands steady and unyielding, waiting for the frantic, desperate thrashing in her eyes to finally go dark. To him, this was just a clean, quick end to a variable that could no longer be controlled. He increased the pressure, waiting for the light behind her eyes to finally go out. Then she gasped out the words. Pregnant. And Paul stilled. His hands froze, locking his weight in place. For a second, his mind refused to process the words, searching for the lie, the desperate ploy of a person trying to bargain for one more breath. But he stayed completely still, his fingers resting heavily against her pulse point as he stared down at her. He slowly let go, taking a half-step back but keeping her trapped between his arms. His eyes raked over her face, scanning every micro-expression for a twitch, a flicker of deceit, or anything that would give away a bluff. ‘ Say that again. ‘ Paul's voice drops, dead quiet. He leaned in closer, his breath brushing against her skin, his dark gaze locking onto hers with a terrifying, unblinking intensity. ‘ And choose your next words very carefully, Ellie. Because if you are lying to me right now to save your life, I will make sure the end is far less merciful. ‘
