ath her. She reached out, barely catching herself against the smooth, cold wall. Her skin was

hap

around her, but the world around her remained a blur. She tried to speak,

ssly, carrying her with the ease of someone used to handling fragile things. His grip on her was firm, but it was im

mbled, rough with command,

more. She felt like she was drifting-caught somewhere between reality and a dream. The edges of her

m-someone who looked concerned but unwilling to interfere. A quiet exchange of words

able now, suffocating her, making her desperate to strip away the layers. Her fingers fumbled

th the cold eyes commanded again,

need for relief was overwhelming. She didn't want to feel l

e, her hands shaking as

o fast for her to follow, his hands swift and cer

aving her in just her slip, her s

darker, something almost predatory, as they took in the sight of her. His jaw clenc

fortably, his eyes darting away, and it was clear that he

of water, his hands steady as he brought it to Ariana's lips. "Drink," he order

o violently that she could barely grasp it. The water sloshed over the sides as

he felt an unfamiliar, uncontrollable sensation rippling through her body. He

ening, his hand still holding the glass, frozen in place. She noticed the

made her feel... exposed. She could feel the heat of his stare sea

lt lost to her, tangled in the haze of desire and confusion

there now. His grip tightened on the glass, and for a moment, she thought he might sn

ross the room, calling out to Cole, hi

ed back to Ariana. He walked toward her, a calmness in hi

ce now strained, as if he was holding himself ba

she nodded, the haze in her mind t

was aware of every inch of his body as he held her close. His chest, warm and firm beneath her fingertips. His arms, like steel, ho

are feet. The scent of lavender filled the air, and before she could underst

y, but the fire in her skin refused to dissipate. Her breath came in short

t... to

sensitive, her body aching. She moaned softly, her head falling back against the rim

, intense. His hands clenched at his sides as he watched her, his gaze flickering from her face to the

gh to ease the palpable discomfort in the room. "The doctor'

s voice was colder than ice as h

n alone with Ariana, the air between them thi

ery inch of her body aware of his presence. She turned her head slightly to the side, meeting hi

m, and Ariana wasn't sure how much longer she could s