Page 54 of Ignite

She sucks in a breath.

“I don’t care if you do.”

Liar. My heart races and my palms start to sweat.

“I didn’t want her to flirt with me. I was never going to entertain her.”

The words fall out too fast. Too honest.

She twists her fingers together, her eyes locked on mine.

“You can do whatever. I’m not stopping you,” she whispers.

I want her to stop me.

I want her to be as desperate for me as I am for her.

“I followed you to that class because I wanted to see you.”

She bites back a grin, and some small relief pulses in my ribs.

“Right.”

Fuck. I’m flustered.

And she’s acting unbothered?

Except I can read every tell—the dilated pupils, the heat rising up her neck. It’s a mask. She’s hiding behind it.

“Hallie.”

“Yes, Conan?” she teases, head tilted.

I step closer.

“I find it hot when you try to hide how much you want me.”

She glances up through her lashes. “I want you, do I?”

“You’re the one who grabbed my ass to stake your claim. You’re down bad for me, trouble.”

“Am not.” Her chin tips in defiance.

“The hunt hasn’t even begun, baby.” I press my nose to hers.

She has no idea.

The thrill of the chase is my fucking religion.

Our silence is electric. I’ve never felt more alive.

“You can’t chase something that isn’t running, beastie.”

A dark chuckle rumbles from my chest.

“Philosophical.”

Her gaze flicks to my mouth, and I back away.

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