la

ard us, it felt as though the very air surrounding him was his domain

d under his breath. "He's m

n't mean I don

ctions polite, graceful, and measured. Something crackled in the air, and my gaze moved to his on its own accord. My hand twitched with an unnamed urge, and I quickly shoved it into my pocket, confused. My heart was thundering in my chest. Was it fear? I reminded myself that ou

isticated voice caressed the air a

ce was nothing new to me, but I'd thought-perhaps hoped-that in some

ng his lips as he stepped aside, his ga

omething ran through me, and the air seemed to thin. Mistaking my reaction for f

enough to savor the heat but wary of the burn. My breath hitched as his large, rough hand enclosed mine, making my own feel small. The sensation sent a shiver down my spine, one I

and my head snapped toward her. Hell. Wh

's lips as he stepped aside. "This way, Princess,"

walked right beside me. I schooled my expression, but it was dif

ooms. Once you're settled, I'

head of the staff, led us. At the foot of the stairs,

e quic

lled from behind. D*mn it. Wha

lia

hair cascaded to her waist, and the ripped jeans hugged her curves so perfectly it was almost criminal. She clutched the straps of her messenger bag as if her l

e and his stepson, who seems to be his shadow. But I've never met his daughter

ething undeniable. As Nina showed our guests to their rooms, Mila lingered, trailing behind the others. Halfway up the staircase, she stopped. It would have been too obvious if I followed her, but resisting the pull was d*mn near impossible. I stayed rooted at th

e's voice cut through t

and bolted u

kitchen, where Kate leaned against the counter, watching me warily.

that, it wouldn't end well," she said, h

my head, smirking. "And how

to devour her," she

of what I can or can't do

erson's daughter. She's young. Innocent. Don

arched an eyebrow, my tone challenging

o be," she muttered

legs scraping noisily agai

reminding herself of her place. Kate was one of the best in my organization. She

disaster. Find someone e

relaxed. "You're misunderstanding my inte

you mean? You're serious a

istakable. "Don't forget who I am." Her expression shifted instantly. Her posture st

id, her voice bare

interrupt me again," I said as I walked past her. She