His words made my stomach flip. I hated that nickname, hated how he said it like I was prey caught in his claws… and yet, the sound of it wrapped around me, sinking deep into places I didn’t want to admit existed. Heat curled low in my belly, unwelcome but impossible to ignore.

“You’re impossible,” I snapped, my palms pressing against his chest with more force than before. His chest was solid, his heart steady under my hand, while mine raced like it wanted to escape my ribs. I shoved, but it was like pushing against a wall—he barely moved an inch. My body begged to stay close, and I...