The tears poured down my face. I could not scold my untamed curls for fear that he might stop me from leaving.

A sigh behind me interrupted my thoughts. "Collice, what do you think you're doing?"

I turned to see Tivan standing in my doorway, observing me through his binocular glasses.

I paid him no attention and returned to packing my things to leave.

"I asked you a question. I expect an answer." Tivan continued in a severe tone.

"I'm becoming a ravager. I can no longer be with you, Tivan. Peter needs me."

He sighed and slid the glasses off. "No, you're not. I need you. I need you very much, Collice."

"I never hear you say that you love me or care about me. Nothing. I can't be with someone who is so self-centered."

"Do you know who Peter Quill is? He is an outlaw. He will get you killed. I cannot have this on my conscious." Tivan paused a moment, taking a deep breath. "I love you, Collice. It's the truth."

"You're lying. You don't love me anymore than you love Carina." I finally finished and took my suitcase to the door where Tivan was standing.

"I'm not lying, Collice. Look at me. Am I ever deadly serious as this?"

I shook my head.

The Collector let out a deep sigh. "I thought not. I would never put you in harm's way as Peter Quill will. You may put your things back where they belong."

"I'm not staying. You can't make me." I said defiantly.

"Stop this now."

"I won't stand down." I snapped.

"Please. I don't want to use force against you."

"You can't do anything to me." I shot back.

A heavy sigh escaped his lungs before Tivan's white gloved fingers flew up. I was lifted into the air gently and placed back on my bed, laid down and my suitcase landed on the black carpet next to the bed.

I gasped and stared in shock at Tivan. "How the fuck did you do that?"

His brown eyes connected with my blue. "That is but a taste of my power. I love you, so I don't want to hurt you. You are staying here with me, Collice. That is my decision and that is final. There is to be no further talk of leaving me to join Peter Quill and the Ravagers. Am I clear?"

I nodded, frightened.

Tivan sighed. "I don't want you to fear me, Collice. Do not try to escaped and there will be no consequences for such actions."

So now I'm your prisoner here, I thought angrily but in fear of Tivan's power.