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Fear?

Her eyes dart around the room, looking anywhere but directly at me. She presses her lips together as if to trap the words before they can escape. Her fingers fumble with the straps of her bag. I can almost hear the gears grinding in her head as she grasps for the right thing to say.

After an endless moment, she meets my gaze again.

“Is this some kind of game to you? You’re married.” Her voice quivers. “To Esther.”

A pang of remorse tugs at me. I should have stopped Esther from running her mouth in this gossip-hungry crowd.

“If anything, engaged.”

Her shaky breath draws my attention to the enticing curve of her neck.

“How long have you been engaged?” She emphasizes the last word.

“Is that jealousy I hear?”

A pretty blush stains her cheeks as she scoffs. “Hardly. You’re engaged.”

She wants me, engaged or not. I need to break through her stubborn resistance first.

I reach out, tilting her chin up to meet my gaze. Her eyes widen. Uncertainty and something else swirling in their depths, but she doesn’t pull away.

My thumb caresses her cheek softly. Since she pulled that stunt out there, I have this constant urge to touch her. I tried to stay away, but you provoked me.

“Then what is it?” I ask.

She blinks like she’s fighting back tears. “Nothing. I don’t even know you.”

She has no idea how much it kills me. I let my hand drop with a frustrated sigh. Too stubborn for her own good. I want to change that.

“Ask me anything.”

“Right now?”

“If it helps.”

“Okay… How long have you been engaged to Esther?”

I laugh under my breath. “Straight to the hard questions.” I meet her gaze. “It’s barely been three months. A business arrangement. Nothing real.”

Something like relief flickers in her eyes, and I prefer that look on her face.

“My turn,” I say, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “Why did you run that morning?”

“It was a one-night stand. Didn’t think I would get pancakes and orange juice in bed.”

Noted.

“Did you lead Esther on? She has a ring. I don’t do taken men.”

“Did she now?” My lips twist. Fucking Esther ruining everything. “I’m afraid Esther is prone to wishful thinking. While she may desire to become Mrs. Milton, I have no intention of actually marrying her.”

“Why should I believe you? It’s not like Esther seems to think it’s—”

I press my hand against the small of her back, pulling her closer to me as I lean in. Her scent surrounds me, floral and sweet.

“You shouldn’t.” My eyes drop to her lips. “But I’m still asking you to trust me.”

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