A gust of wind makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. This dark version of him fills you with a kind of apprehension you’ve never felt before.

And yes, you totally lied earlier. The dark, unhinged side of Killian terrifies you.

Still, you manage to say, "We don't have anything. We're not in a relationship."

He lifts a shoulder. "Whether it's a relationship or not means jack shit to me. That label holds no importance."

"Then what does?"

"The fact that you're mine."

"I'm n—" The word dies in your throat when he suddenly blocks your path, his eyes shining with venomous intent.

He slowly shakes his head. "Don't finish that word unless you're in the mood to anger me."

You swallow the drool that’s gathered in your mouth, but your chin stays high. "You can't force me to become yours."

"Watch me."

"I'll fight every step of the way."

"By all means. It'd make the end result sweeter."

"I hate you."

"Let me search for the fucks I have to give." He pretends to study his surroundings. "See? None."

You push past him and stomp for a while before forcing yourself to calm down and walk normally.

Killian fucking Carson catches up to you—of course—and casually asks, "Why are you in a hurry? Shouldn't you enjoy our second date?"

"Second what?"

"Date. It could be considered the third, but I have a feeling you don't think of that first meeting on the cliff as a date."