Then his hand drifted lower, sliding down my arm. The tips of his fingers brushed my bare skin, featherlight, enough to leave goosebumps in their wake. I shivered before I could stop myself, and his eyes darkened as if he’d been waiting for that very reaction.

A deep chuckle rumbled from his chest, low and satisfied. “That’s what I thought.” His smirk grew, dangerous and smug. He leaned closer, close enough that I could feel the warmth of his breath against my lips. “And if you should know, you affect me too.”

Before I could move, before I could even blink, his hand slid to my jaw, firm and commanding,...