Page 18 of Drew

Zelda seemed to make peace with Alyssa’s decision. They returned to her office and discussed the prices for the other paintings before Alyssa headed back to her apartment.

She stopped at a grocery store, coming out with a case of water, a bag of ice for her cooler, some fresh chopped fruits and veggies, granola bars, and other pantry items she could eat on the road that would keep in her car. She loaded up on snack foods, as she did when she fled one area. Usually, she preferred salty potato chips, but today, she seemed to steer toward the chocolate. Maybe it would help ease the burning sensation in her heart.

She was attracted to Drew. There was no sense in pretending otherwise. It wasn’t just his intoxicating scent. The man was solid muscle, rugged, and had good, wholesome morals, at least according to Zelda’s account last night. When she’d turned him down at the gallery, he hadn’t bugged her for an explanation, hadn’t complained or insisted like Mitch often did. But despite his graceful acceptance, she knew he wouldn’t stop. Determination had been in his gaze, and it had thrilled her.

Before she’d spotted him in the forest, she’d smelled him. She’d considered leaving but assumed his scent was there because he owned the property. Odds were high that he’d take strolls through the woods. At least, that’s how she’d justified her decision to stay. She’d pushed aside the nagging feeling that something was wrong and instead basked in the moon, and his delightful scent and the arousing things it did to her body. And now she was paying for that mistake.

After parking her little car in the lot, she locked it and headed toward the building.

As she entered the foyer, she paused. His scent was lingering in the hallway. Glancing around, she tried to spot him.

He’d found her.

Swallowing, she made her way forward. Her gaze darted around, anxiously waiting for him to jump out and grab her.

Inside the elevator, the scent flooded her. It was clear he’d been here. She debated her options. Leave town without her stuff, or venture forward and see if he was actually in the building.

Maybe he’d come, seen she was absent, and already left.

The elevator dinged as the doors opened. Taking a fortifying breath, Alyssa stepped out before rushing down the hall, his warm, masculine scent leading her way.

At her door, she paused. It was open, the knob hanging loosely in the frame.

He was in her home.

Her heart raced, and her body vibrated. From fear or arousal, she wasn’t sure which. Maybe both. Biting her lip, she pushed the door open wider. After a quick glance inside, she stepped cautiously over the threshold. A hasty peek through the apartment had her breathing a sigh of relief.

He had been here, but he hadn’t stayed. She still had time to make a break for it.

Closing the door as best she could, Alyssa began mentally reminding herself of what she needed to grab. She reached for her laptop bag first, but movement on the patio drew her attention.

Part of the studio apartment’s appeal had been the big, private rooftop patio. She’d been eager for spring to arrive so she could sit out there and paint. It was the perfect sanctuary for her, and this morning she’d wept at the thought of leaving it behind.

And now it had been invaded.

Ducking down to avoid hitting his head, Drew stepped off the roof and into her apartment.

Startled, Alyssa shouted. The bag hit the floor with a thud as she flew to the door and scrambled to open it.

His palm came down hard against the wood, the sound so loud she jumped nearly a foot. The other hand landed on the wall, caging her in. “No more running.” His lips brushed against the shell of her ear, sending traitorous, erotic shivers across her skin. “We need to talk.”

Chapter Seven

She could feel him all along her back. Strength and power radiated from him. Having him so close did strange things to her. Need coursed through her veins like never before. She should be ready to run, not ready to strip naked, and spread her legs for him. What was he doing to her?

“You’ve been running from me since I met you. At the coffee shop. The gallery.” His nose trailed down her neck. She couldn’t help but tilt her head to the side, granting him access to her throat. “The woods last night."

She turned abruptly in his arms. Glancing up, she whispered, “Are you going to hurt me?”

“Never. I would never hurt you.”

“You don’t even know me.”

“You’re my mate.”

Confused and aroused, she looked up at him. “Like a fated mate?”

He rubbed his thumb along that tempting, plump lower lip. “Like you were born for me.”

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