Page 46 of A Game of Ruck
“Then I dare you to find out.”
Silence stretches between us, electric and heavy.
My heart’s thundering so loud I’m sure he can hear it.
Because he’s not acting.
And suddenly, I don’t want to either.
Chapter Eleven-Luca
Her brown eyesget so big as I lay down that gauntlet, and I swear I could get lost in them.
Then Annabeth slides her hand into mine like it belongs there, and when she says, “Let's dance,” I don't hesitate.
I take her out to the floor like she’s already mine.
The band’s playing something low and sultry, all slow bass and smoky strings.
The kind of song that’s made for tension and temptation.
And Annabeth?She melts into me like she’s finally stopped fighting whatever’s happening between us.
I wrap an arm around her waist, not giving a single damn who’s watching.
Let them stare.
Hell, let them take notes.
This is how you hold a woman like her—like she’s precious and powerful and sexy as hell.
She leans into me, one arm curled around my neck.
Her cheek brushes my shoulder, and I tighten my grip, pulling her closer.
“You still okay, Angel?”I murmur against her temple.
She nods.Then tilts her head just enough to look at me.
“Yeah, Luca.I really think I am.”
There’s something in her voice—soft but certain.
Her lips are parted, eyes full of heat and hesitation, like she’s finally letting herself want this.
Want me.
And then, like a lightning strike to the chest, she whispers, “I think I’m ready to find out what this could be.”
I freeze.
Just for a second.
Becausefuck.
That’s it.That’s the moment.
I’ve been circling this thing for the past forty-eight hours, trying not to push too hard, trying to respect the deal, the fake-date setup, the pretend lines we drew in the sand.
