CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TEN – HE REFUSES TO CHANGE

And it was that humbling realization that finally stiffened her resolve, hardening her conviction until it was an adamantine thing, immovable and stronger than any forces currently conspiring to tear them apart. Tilting her head back, she framed Sebastian's shadowed face between her palms, holding that bereft, searching gaze with crystalline purpose. "Which is why I need you to listen to me now, Sebastian. Really listen, not just nod along while your mind is still racing ahead a thousand steps." For a moment, she didn't think he could pull it off, the way his haunted eyes kept darting to the side as if tracking some phantom stream of half-formed notions. But then Sebastian blinked, and when his lids reopened it was like a switch being thrown - the restless, distracted light in his eyes dimming as his formidable focus settled on her with unshakable intensity. Madison felt her breath catch at the force of that searing look, the full brunt of Sebastian's potent presence turned inward