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Once Lisa's gone, the shadow returns. Dylan is at my side before I can even push to my feet. He extends a hand without a word. I let him help me up, skin tingling where we touch.
I'm suddenly aware of how close we're standing, his tall, muscular frame nearly pressing against me—my pulse quickens.
I'm torn between irritation at his high-handedness and breathless attraction. Why does he have to be so damn sexy? It would be easier to hate him if he wasn't so hot.
Fuming, I stomp away, knowing he'll be right behind me. I'm angry at Dylan for assuming he understands what's best for me. But more than that, I'm angry at myself.
Because no matter how much he infuriates me, I can't stop imagining the sensation of his arms enveloping me and his lips pressing against mine.
He's a few steps away, giving me the illusion of space. His gaze is a mix of alertness and something softer that I can't quite place. It's unnerving how his presence can feel both intrusive and comforting at the same time.
“I need to go to the library.”
“Of course. I'll walk you.”
I nod and we set off across the quad. Dylan maintains a respectable distance, though I'm hyper-aware of his presence over my shoulder. Along the way, I stop and talk to a friend.
We meander along the winding paths that crisscross the quad in silence. The tension between us feels different than before–now tinged with reluctant admiration.
He's the one to finally break the silence. “I won't apologize for doing my job. I've seen the threats against you, and they're serious. Don't take any unnecessary risks to prove a point, okay?”
His concern catches me off guard. I nod again, feeling guilty for not taking his warnings seriously before. “I'll be more careful, I promise.”
Dylan searches my face as if deciding whether I mean it. “I understand this is frustrating, Gemma.”
I hold his gaze. “You're right. I'll be more cooperative from now on.”
The corner of Dylan's mouth lifts. “Well, let's not go overboard. I appreciate the challenge.”
I laugh, surprised by the glimpse of humor. The sound transforms his serious face, softening it.
We walk in a more relaxed silence until we reach the stone facade of the campus library. My nerves flutter as Dylan holds the door for me. I sneak a glance at his handsome face.
Maybe Lisa is right about him having feelings for me.
No. I clench my fists. I can't go there. Dylan is my bodyguard, not my boyfriend. But even as I think it, he turns, meeting my gaze. The air seems to thicken between us. His eyes drop briefly to my mouth before darting away.
Disappointment and desire war within me. I know these feelings are dangerous, but in this heated moment, I want his kiss more than anything.
Chapter4
Gemma
We reachthe library and Dylan opens the door, standing aside so I can enter first. The whoosh of air conditioning hits me along with that particular scent of musty books and industrial carpet.
I weave through the towering shelves until I find an empty study nook tucked in a secluded corner. I drop my heavy backpack on the table with a thud and sink into the chair.
Dylan stations himself near the entrance, subtly scanning the surroundings. He is leaning against a bookshelf looking like a male model posing for a photo shoot, not a bodyguard on high alert.
The low lighting contours his rugged features—the strong jaw, the intense eyes that seem to see into my soul. And how the edges crinkle when he smiles.
Trying to focus on my textbook, I sneak glances at him over the top of the pages. Why does he have to look so good just standing there?
Dylan catches me staring. Heat flushes my cheeks but I hold his gaze. Something electric passes between us. My heart pounds and I have to remind myself to breathe.
Pushing aside daydreams, I buckle down and review the chapter section by section, scribbling notes in the margins. An hour slips by with only the sound of rustling paper until the words blur on the page.
“You don't have to stand guard every second,” I tell him.
