Page 6 of Our Deceptive Heat

I find the lifts and press the number they gave. Level seven. I stand inside as it climbs, cursing silently as we stop at what feels like every stop. But when we get to the floor, I very nearly don’t get out. I just manage to slip between the doors at the last minute, and then I stand in the hall, my heart pounding, my throat tight.

What if I get caught? What if he finds out?

In the last three months, I’ve researched everything I can to find any information on Fate’s Choice. Everything. I know their dates of birth. I know Digs and Tyr aretwenty-five. Mako twenty-six. Envy is twenty-three. I know they met when they were kids. Tyr has a little sister. Two years ago, Mako’s parents died in a car crash.

I know, lots of useless information.

I don’t know what they’re like. I don’t know if they’ll be rude. If they will be kind. I don’t know if they will be open to new ideas or if they will cut me off at the knees.

I approach the door and, before I can think better of it, knock hard.

There’s a pause, and then the door is ripped open. Their bassist, Digs, is taller than I had imagined. My mouth waters, and I find myself fixating on the way his chest rises and falls. He’s not fat, but he’s not thin, either. He’s just solid, and I had no idea I was going to find it so attractive.

This is unnerving. I don’t have this reaction to anyone. It steals my ability to talk, my ability to think. It’s like insta-lust. This is insane. I don’t like it. At all.

Now, I want to run but for entirely different reasons.

He grins, and the boyish gleam in his eyes makes my damn ovaries awaken. His hair is strawberry blond, and he’s got the purest bluest eyes I’ve ever seen on anyone. Even his lashes are blond. Digs Fate has got a spray of freckles and a thick beard cropped close to his chin and stands easily a head taller than me.

He is dreamy.

“Ryn?”

“That’s me,” I manage to choke out as I take a healthy step backwards.

Digs just reaches out, his long arms wrapping around me, and pulls me into his hold and off my feet. I let out a squeak as he spins me around and into the hotel room, kicking the door closed.

He smells like almonds. I love almonds. Damn it, Ryn, do not sniff the alpha.

“You are the cutest little thing.”

I let out a peep of protest, but he leans in and inhales.

I don’t smell of anything. My scent is competently gone. I know that because for every minute of every day; I make sure that it never comes out. Scent blockers and scent neutralisers, all my cosmetics and toiletries are scent free. Anything to help me fade into obscurity.

My scent of coconut is something I don’t know that anyone has ever smelled before.

He sets me down on my feet while I try to comprehend my reaction to him. It’s baffling and has me feeling like I’m standing on a rocking ship. I can’t quite get my balance.

I planned for everything. Except this.

With growing unease, I turn to face the others. Panic flickers at the edge of my sight, and I taste all the regret I’m currently trying to swallow.

Mako is tall with a strong face that makes a lot of people think he’s angry, but right now, he’s curious. I can read that easily. He is striking. I can’t look away from him.

“Ryn Raines.” I hold out my hand, trying to sound professional.

He takes it, turns it over, and brings my knuckles to his lips.

Holy smokes, my knees about buckle. No one has ever done that to me before.

“Lovely to meet you, Miss Raines. My name is Mako.”

I’ve lost the ability to speak, all the words are gone. All I can do is stare at him.

His voice is a deep gravel sound that goes into my bones and soul and stays there. His hair is dark and long, and he has these cheekbones and deep brown eyes that take my breath away.

I hear a shuffling sound and turn to see Tyr looking me up and down. He seems stunned. Which is how I feel. He covers it quickly. His eyes are gold, and his hair is short, black, and cut stylishly. He is gorgeous. Tyr looks like the man your mother warned you to stay away from. When he smiles, he’s got dimples, his gold eyes gleam. He looks like sin, seduction, and good times.

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