a's

could see us. The onyx ring on his index finger glinted under the rays

unter. Our hands were just a breath apart. I remembered those fingers brushing against m

ave a mind of their own. I ended up flat against his chest. D*mn it! He circled his arms around my waist, a

akes you slip?" His voice turned my insides to

wed the words and settled for a quiet, "Sorry."

Don't act. Keep it neutral. The strategy almost always

wn to them. The danger they held pulsed through my veins, yet behind all of it, when he looked directly at me, there

only came closer, his eyes challengi

u should stop,"

clear. Avoidance would

me?" His tone held a threat,

es, hidden from view. "You have to stop," I repeated,

on the shelf beside me, caging me in. Sudd

u k

I d

faint smile softened his face, heat

u'r

es

hrough gritted teeth. Saying

vident, though it frustrated me more that my body betrayed me around him. I tri

I reached back, but he was quicker, concern flashing across his face. He came close

ed whatever it was, warmth washing over me. I look at him, admiring the angle of his jaw and the defi

f my head. Looking at him now, he seemed younger, more handsome. Our eyes met brie

ulled something

n silver chain and a pinkish-blue shell at the center. On

't started being inappropriate yet." I grabbed his chin, forcing him to look up, war

chin, but he caught it mid-way. I looked at him, wide-eyed and pleadi

ll

ed like this trip hadn't gone the way they'd hoped. The only silver lining was that no one had seen me with Killian. Was I the only one hyper-aware of his presence? Kate was doing her best to keep the conversation alive, with Adeline joining in reluctantly, and Franny occasionally chiming in. At some point, Franny mentioned something

indedly and retu

's voice was light, but there

up. Killian's words were directed at Kate, but his eyes were fixed on me.

lone. I looked down quickly, trying to shake off the strange weight of his stare. Why does it even matter? H

family was obsessed with appearances. That's why they had let me attend college instead of hiding me away until my twenty-first birthday. After my grandfather died, everyone knew of my existence. If I didn't make appearances or attend college, it would have damaged the Ande

king

was close enough to kiss. Killian was leaning over the back of my

irmly, denying

ia

offed, folding my a

acing myself with a new resolve. "I'll have you know I am not-" He ca

lt of his head, the teasing smil

sure ab

u to finish my sentences," I sa

to know every thought you think between

ot look away from me," his breath brushed ag

rom you." My heartbeat qu

I didn't think. He leaned in, a