You've been in an arranged marriage with a guy you love for years, Vard Carssi. He's older than you, so he refuses to touch you because of your age.

It irks you when he acts like that, as if you're still a minor, so you decide to confront him about it, slamming your fist on his desk and asking him about his problem with you.

"I don't plan on touching you in any way," he says with his raspy voice.

"If that's the case, then I'll have to seek out someone else who will fulfill my needs," you reply.

Those words hit him like a bullet; his jaw clenches, and his eyes darken after hearing that, filled with so much animosity.

"Try," he whispers. "You won't like what will happen," he says darkly.