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“I’m not letting you run and hide from me again.”
New’s intensity is overwhelming. The blue gems he calls eyes bore into me as fear puts a stranglehold on my throat and turns my brain hazy.
My chest aches. Breathing becomes difficult. The walls of the office start to close in around me.
"I need to get some fresh air.” I rush past him, desperate to escape the feelings he invokes and the demons from the past whispering in my ear. New makes it too easy to forget. I can’t lose myself in a man again.
Stepping out the front door, my eyes dart around the area, looking for anything out of place. The street is still empty in the early morning lighting.
New might be right. He knows Laurel better than me, and she’s always been petty.But what will I do if he’s not?”Sucking down the air, I try to calm my breathing.
“If you need space, I’ll give it to you once I know you’re safe.”
New’s voice makes me jump.
“If you run, I’ll chase you every time. Throw a tantrum, and I’ll wait you out –.”
“I wasn’t—
“You spoke your mind in there. It’s my turn.” He moves forward, stalking me like a predator who’s caught the scent of prey.
“I know James fucked with your head and left behind wounds. I have them too.” Grabbing my hand, he places it on his chest.
“I won’t let my past destroy my future.”
“This is exactly why we should proceed with caution and take our time.”
“Doing that won’t change the fact that nothing has felt this right before. Or that you brought sunshine back in my life.” His heart beats faster beneath my palm.
“I can’t give that up.”
“Maybe it's not up to you.” My response rings out in the quiet of the empty street. I lift my chin.
“And it’s up to you?” He counters.
“Yes.”
He chuckles. “Stubborn little spitfire. Are you so afraid to admit you’re mine to care for?” He tilts his head. “Or does the problem lie in believing I will deliver on my promise?”
“I.” Opening and closing my mouth, I find the truth between his two questions impossible to articulate.
“Go before we give the world something else to photograph.” I turn to leave, and he grabs my wrist.
“Don’t be alone today.”
“I won’t,” I promise.
He nods. “I don’t play fast and loose with your safety, Daphne.” His tone is razor sharp as he uses my full name. “Keep me posted, and I’ll give you space.”
“And if I don’t.” I’m poking an angry bear. I shouldn’t, but I can’t stop.
“You like being a little brat, don’t you? Do it and find out how dirty I can play.”
His words start a raging fire in my belly. He drops my hand, and I powerwalk away, his gaze warming me like the sun's rays. I can’t get swept away again.
* * *
New
