e he had whispered against her skin. It lingered in her mind, haunting her every waking moment. She found herself watchi

t stake-the job, her independence, her dignity. And yet, every time he looked at her wi

tory. The bar was nearly empty, save for a few lingering patrons, and she had just s

could feel the heat radiating fro

is voice smooth as silk. There was no q

g to sound unaffected. "Someone

slow step toward her. "And here

g said, though she knew the li

her insides flutter with a mix of fear and desi

elf to look away from him. She couldn't afford to get drawn in ag

His scent-earthy, masculine, and intoxicating-surrounded her. She

grazing her arm with a touch so light it made her skin

her voice trembling despite h

ear as he whispered, "Yes, you are. You're running

ouldn't resist. She wanted to pull away, to tell him to stop, but every part of her wanted to st

fabric of her blouse. "You're scared, aren't you? You're a

f anymore. The truth was written all over her body-how it responded to him, how it

d, the words barely audible, as if saying t

ng. "You already are, Achieng. You're alread

r cheek in a soft, lingering kiss. A jolt of heat surged through her

pulled away quickly, her br

r voice hoarse. "I won'

tween them crackled, a silent battle of wills, but in the end, it was she who

nd her, watching, waiting for her to break. And she knew

nd her buzzing with life, but all she could hear was t