LA

*

h

h

h

inutes

king down the apartment, completely forgetting about the ticking clock. Now here I am, sprinting like a maniac

ished stone path. The security guards outside raised their brows as I bolted past them. I couldn't even stop to greet them

d my wat

minu

even know could sweat. But the second my feet landed inside the house and I caught sig

st won gold at the Olympics. A vic

.. si

and look

eyes were s

's cool, sea-colored, judgmental eyes

Cr

s h

t-

s he

crambled to find some logic, but it was too

said, still wheezing like

in his arms, and walked toward me with the kind of quiet power that made me

d smell his cologne-subtle, expensive,

ooked at

it

urted out, throwing up my hands in sur

n see that. But do you always cra

repeated,

"running, shouting, gasping for bre

the door was open, and I just... entered. I'm sorr

e shifted Ryan down from his

iping her hands on her apron, giv

et Miss Adams al

"Yes, Sir. We

shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, veins slightly visible, hinting at strength and calm authority. His watch

t my

d feel like to be kissed by him. Definitely

ind didn

out, slid his hand around my waist, leaned in, and kissed

el

as silently gesturing at me to turn back around. When I di

," I m

" he said bluntly.

u

to shake off th

eaving now

sing a soft kiss on his forehead.

was the most expressive

rt sof

at ache-the one I'd been trying to ignore since day on

e to ask. N

AI

one f

I f

ds. Mar

s turne

my hand ov

ot yells like th

d slowly, his br

awkwardly. "I just... I

he sai

talk in

ust sa

private

ave time,

t take l

t sa

d now, which onl

u asked

have sex

that followe

ooked like she might drop the plate she was holdi

r's jaw t

hen back at me with disbe

smile. You asked me t

, clearly trying

hrough clenched teeth. "We

y.

a

MY

ILL A

screamed, spinning around l

the poor kid up and twirled with him. "Did you hear

f silence that only comes after

back. I set Ryan down

I said, facing M

gla

wn like a s

ord, he tur

was untrustworthy. Then he ran off to hi

ank you, Jesus,"

sleep with me... d

at thought

ward Ryan's room. I found him on his bed, legs

own bes

, but let's start over, okay?

inked

like c

rep

ie box Nanny packed a

iss Adams. But Dad said not to

u

said, trying not to pout

ok his

is someth

id, taking a bite. "Mmm. These ar

magic in her fingers. If you don

e box... then ra

him, cookie hal

n littl