His proposal took her aback. Her fists tightened at her sides. Trading her own dignity for someone else's freedom wasn't a situation she had imagined herself in.

Again, he leaned in, his words a mere breath against her ear.

"Selina, if you choose to be with me, I will take on your burdens."

His hot breath fanned against her earlobe, a sudden warmth spreading.

She had been with men before; she had her own desires too.