Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 149

He didn't need to finish; Willa knew exactly what he wanted.

"Randal, we had an agreement..."

"I know." He lowered his gaze, unable to hide his pathetic desperation.

He grabbed her hand and pressed it to his chest, slowly sliding it downward. His voice was husky and deliberately pitiful. "But I just feel so bad right now, Wills. Can you help me...?"

The last few words were whispered with a blatant, seductive edge.

Before she could react, he had already guided her hand, letting her feel the undeniable heat of his arousal.

A fierce surge of fury flared within her. She jerked her hand back, her face hardening instantly. "That is enough, Randal."

Randal froze, entirely caught off guard by her sudden hostility. He stared at her like a kicked puppy, not daring to move a muscle.

She took a half-step back, her tone uncompromising. "Don't think you can pull this pathetic act and cross my boundaries. If you're feeling awful, you need a doctor."

"Pull this stunt one more time, and I'll personally ensure the Yates family line ends with you."

Randal clenched his fists tightly at his sides. Panic flickered in his eyes, completely extinguishing whatever desire he had felt seconds earlier.

He lowered his head like a child caught misbehaving, mumbling under his breath. "I was just... scared you'd leave. I only feel safe when I'm close to you."

She took a step forward and gently pulled his injured wrist toward her. Staring at the scabbing cuts, her tone softened slightly. "I'm not leaving right now. But you are never going to hurt yourself again. And tomorrow, you are seeing your doctor. Understood?"

Randal nodded. "Okay."

Seeing that he had dropped the act, Willa finally breathed a sigh of relief. She turned to leave, but paused at the door, glancing back with a warning glare. "From now on, do not come into my room without permission."

With that, she hurried back to her bedroom, shut the door, and slumped against it, letting out a long, shaky breath.

She had been tempted for a split second, she couldn't deny that. But she knew the moment she compromised, Randal would have her exactly where he wanted her.

Miles went silent for a long time before muttering in disbelief. "That doesn't make any sense. He's been going to his sessions. How is he getting worse? Hang on, I'll send you the doctor's card. Call me anytime if you need anything.

After hanging up, a digital business card quickly popped up in her chat.

[Dr. Wallace Kirby (Chief Psychiatrist, Norvale Central Hospital)]

Willa immediately sent a friend request, but by the time she was ready for bed, it still hadn't been accepted.

Right before falling asleep, she unexpectedly got a text from Iris.

[Martin reached out to me again. He wants to move quickly on that cultural heritage project. If you're free, he wants to meet up and discuss the details.]

[He said he didn't take what happened last time to heart. Moving forward is entirely up to you.]

A wave of guilt washed over Willa. She thought for a moment before typing back: [Tell him thank you for me. But right now... I really can't get away.]