V

or slammed shut behind us. Zane's fingers slowly uncurled from a

y from the party's music and laughter. I could still

f his touch lingered, imprinted on my s

d him

ut too soft, but firm enough to cut through the tens

dn't

breath. "You better say something because y

aw fl

rper now. "You do know th

," he m

stepped closer

uldn't look me in the eye. "I

not a reason and wh

ffing visibly in front of him

?" My voic

o mine-dark, unrea

not an

kno

my bare arms, sending goosebumps racing across my skin. But i

d at me

n't k

d me out of a party an

his hair like he was trying to wrestle someth

. "That guy wasn't a th

then stopped himself. "I

don't need that. Not like this. I'm trying to move forward. I'

the flash drive, files everything and

id no

w, more personal. "But if you really want to help... respect me enough to l

tayed lock

spered, "I'd like us to

lt like swal

ut he didn't move ei

I was the last thing he should want a

A

e looked like.How magnificen

had kissed her skin. The way the dress clung-high at the nec

time she moved, and I hated the way the wind flirt

nd softness. F

was

felt it like a cut through bone. Because nothi

ed with emotion, and all I could think about was wha

t mysel

ngs I wanted

st that wall, under the sta

mal inside me. A craving. A madness. A hunger I'd fou

n't know th

ow why I foug

wasn't jus

omethin

ld never forgive

my ears. My truth was right there-on the edge of m

called her stepfa

er away was because our lives were a tangle of blood l

oing to

to tell he

f from this bondage and

re I cou

op door s

careful but urgent. "Sorry-Mr. Grey. I didn't mean

ook at her, then

ay a word.

ok-soft, searching-an

t like

was

ai

ists clenched, heart

I want

r in ways I ha

ld never tr

not with

ing her

so fil

e devil wou