In the quiet night, his voice sounded especially low and rough.

His cool fingers slipped through my hair and caught the back of my head, making me look up at him.

“In the study this afternoon, you didn't really want to push me away.”

His eyes gleamed with dark understanding.

“Your face was red. Your heart was racing.”

“You like me like this too, don't you?”

Exposed, I lashed out in embarrassment.

“You're making that up... you're insane. Let me go!”

“Yes. I'm insane.”

His quiet laugh vibrated through his chest into me.

“And an insane man doesn't let go.”

He lowered his head abruptly.

A muffled sound escaped me.

I tried to struggle, but he caught both my wrists easily in one hand.

Reason collapsed.

When he sensed me yielding, he paused.

He drew back a fraction, his nose against mine, his throat moving violently.

“Sophie...”

His hoarse voice carried a humble plea.

“Don't leave me. I'll give you anything you want. Even my life.”

“Just stay with me.”

Looking at the love almost overflowing from his eyes, I felt my last defenses fall apart.

I closed my eyes and leaned in to brush my face against his.

That small gesture broke the last thread of his control.

“I love you, Sophie.”

...

Morning sunshine slipped through the curtains.

I opened my eyes drowsily, Sebastian's arms locked around my waist.

His steady heartbeat was clear against my ear.

Tilting my head, I studied his sleeping face.

In sleep, he had lost the cold distance and sharpness that kept everyone away during the day.

My heart began its foolish racing again.

I raised a finger, wanting to touch his lashes.

Just before I reached them, his eyes opened without warning.

He caught my wrist.

“What are you looking at? Planning to run while I'm asleep again?”

“No...”

I buried my face in his neck.

He laughed softly and rolled over to look down at me.

“You promised last night. You said you liked me this way. You said you wouldn't leave.”

“If you go back on that now, I really will hide you in that study so I'm the only person you ever see again.”

The words were terrifying.

The way he spoke them was full of love.

The contrast between his cool, immaculate face and the obsession underneath left me powerless.

My voice softened.

“You've completely ruined me, Sebastian.”

At that promise, the shadows vanished from his eyes.

After holding me for a long time, he reluctantly let go and went to a drawer.

He took out an officially approved document and handed it to me.

“What's this?” I asked, wrapped in the blanket.

“My overseas placement application. The hospital director has signed it.”

He sat beside me and drew me, blanket and all, into his arms.

“Did you really think I'd break your wings and stop you from going to Paris?”

“If it's what you want, I'll give it to you.”

My eyes widened at the heading: U.S.-France Medical Exchange Program.

The placement lasted two years, exactly as long as my training.

“But... you canceled all your conferences. Your department is so busy. How could you...”

“For you, nothing is impossible.”

He looked at me with eyes deep enough to drown in.

“If being head of the department means I can't even look after the woman I love, I don't need the title.”

“Go to Paris and chase your dream. I'll be with you. Wherever you go, I'll go.”