onflicting emotions, Joha

st her thigh was a sensation too fami

ed in the moment, leisurely drawing a cigarette and hold

it for me," he requested,

wallowed, the silence between th

e it should have brought her, Johanna found

ic

ed across his features. As Carson inhaled deeply from his cigaret

e to wash over her, the irritation

s earlier when hardship had whittled her down to a mere shadow

ealth seemingly in retreat. Yet, her complexion remained clear, devoid

ifted to her hand, noticing a barely healed wou

quickly pulled her hand back though, masking her surprise with a pol

se was a l

n his lips. "That's new! Is there a special someone in your

tered, "Well, you're about to be marrie

on was sharp. "

er. "No!" she protested

r, only amused Carson, sparking in

ely, she turned away just as hi

's eyes fell on the man

as he casually tossed the coa

regard. Are you two...?" His v

ohanna clarified, placing

easier for you, right?" Carson mused, a hint of cynicism in his ton

herself at a l

manipulated by him wa

she retorted, "Well, that's contingent.

eadably neutral as he set

the engine, catchin

hboard, igniting a spark of anger within her as she refl

igned sigh, deciding it was

at the base of her

urrowed brow. "Why haven't you taken up res

ced with firmness. "It do

it's yours,"

ted, "Mr. Russell, perhaps you ought to reve

talemate, with Carson no lon

he announced, "I'll a

d the offer more unwel

Johanna feared reigniting a flame sh

devoid of an elevator and reliant on soun

inding Carson still there, a silent guardia

x emotions, a mixture of gratitude and a

foul odor assau

source: a gas leak, with her moth

error that gripped her. As she cradled her mo

t Carson's name, and then decisive

ulance that arrived f

o see him through a haze of shock and relief. In that critical