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“I have my ways, Tinks.”
“Why do you call me that?”
“Don’t know your name, and it suits you.”
I hesitate, my heart pounding in my chest. Is that some bad fishing to get my real name? Giving it to him feels like handing over a piece of myself—a piece I’m not sure I can trust him with. But as he stands before me, his eyes boring into mine, I know there’s no escaping him.
“Allow me to introduce myself properly,” he says, reaching out and grabbing my right hand, bringing it up to his lips to kiss lightly. “Ciarán Gannon.”
“Hmm.” I’m still not sure about this. Finding me,waitingfor me, outside my place of work is creepy at best and causes me to pull my hand back from his soft grip.
His eyes narrow, and he smirks sexily before his eyes drop to my name tag, pinned to my work shirt.
“Summer,” he murmurs.
It’s both thrilling and terrifying. I’m captivated by the darkness that seems to surround him like a sexy shroud.
There’s something wolfish about the way he watches me, as though I’m the lost lamb he’s been waiting to sink his teeth into.
“Tell me, Summer,” he says, his voice a soft purr that sends shivers racing down my spine. “Do you believe in fate?”
“I’m not sure,” I answer truthfully, feeling exposed under the weight of his gaze. “Why do you ask?”
“Because it’s funny how life works,” he replies, taking a step closer so that the heat from his body exudes against mine. “One night, we’re just strangers in a club, and now here we are.”
“Coincidence.” I’m trying to ignore the way my heart races in response to his nearness.
“Or maybe it’s destiny.” His lips curve into a wicked grin.
It’s impossible to deny the pull between us, the dark allure that keeps drawing me back to him. But there’s also that sense of menace that makes me want to run as far away as possible. As Ciarán Gannon stands before me, his presence like a storm cloud on the horizon, I know that getting too close could be my undoing.
6
SUMMER
Forcing a smile, my insides twisting with unease, I know I have to back away fast. Despite my mooning over him all day, I know now that nothing good will come from this. “Well, it was nice to meet you, Ciarán,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “But I really should be going.”
“Wait,” he says, his hand brushing against my arm. The touch sends a jolt of electricity through me, and I shiver. “Don’t go just yet. I want to get to know you better.”
My heart hammers in my chest, and I look at the ground, feeling vulnerable under his gaze. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Come on,” he urges, stepping closer until the scent of his cologne fills my senses. “We had such a great time last night. Don’t you want to see if there’s more to us than just one night?”
“No, that’s not what I want.” Turning, I get my feet to move and hope that, for once, the bus is early as I make my way through the throngs of people toward the stop.
The busy street buzzes with life as people pass by, going about their evening routines. The sun casts a warm, golden glow on the sidewalk, and a soft breeze rustles my hair. But this picturesque scene does little to quell the unease that’s settled deep. I’m getting a seriously bad vibe from this guy now, and I just want to get on the bus and get home.
“Summer,” Ciarán calls out, his voice still dangerously smooth as he follows me at a steady pace. “You’re not making this easy, you know.”
“Leave me alone,” I manage to say, my voice trembling slightly as I quicken my steps. My heart races in my chest, and the adrenaline courses through my veins, urging me to get as far away from him as possible.
“Ah, there’s no need for that,” he chuckles darkly from behind me. “You were quite happy impaled on my dick last night. Why are you so eager to run away now?”
“Last night was a mistake,” I whisper, trying to keep my voice steady. “I don’t want anything more to do with you.”
“Is that really what you think?” he asks, suddenly beside me. I hadn’t even realized he’d moved in closer, but now he’s there, all smoldering intensity and threatening charm. “Or are you just afraid to admit you enjoyed it?”
“Please, just leave me alone,” I beg, my voice barely audible. Desperate to put some distance between us, I dart across the busy street, narrowly avoiding a passing car. The driver honks angrily, and I apologize without looking back, my gaze focused on the safety of the other side.
