melia sat in the passenger seat, her arms crossed and her expression one of silent rebellion. She could

ut this," Bryan said without

window. The cityscape began to give way to sprawling estates,

ed, his tone firm. "Ryan's a good man.

henever possible. He was intense, magnetic, and exuded a kind of confidence

ght her first glimpse of Ryan's mansion. It was a sprawling modern master

re we are," he said, turning to her. "Come on, Am

ling her seatbelt and steppin

ally, but somehow even in jeans and a simple shirt, he managed to look like he owned the world. His sharp f

the steps. The two men embraced briefly, their camaraderie

breathe. There was something about the way he looked at her-intense, curious, almos

is voice deep and smoo

ent sentence. The way he said her

his," Bryan said, b

g on Amelia a second longer before he turned

a glanced around, trying not to look too impressed. The interior was just as extravagant as she'd imagine

t say again," Bryan commented awkwar

at home while I get Ame

pression softening. "Here, let me help you with that," h

felt a jolt, as if an electric current had surged through her. She gas

's breath hitched as she felt herself drowning in the intensity of his gaze. Her heart hamme

e was soft, but it br

"I... I'm fine," she stammered, feel

slung the bag over his shoulder effortlessly. "

ne with him, not after the way her body had reacted to his touch. But before she co

rd, her pulse racing as she realized she was s

question lingering as she trailed behind him. Bry

d sigh. "Well, that's everything," he said, glancing between

"You know you don't even have to ask. She's in good hands." His tone was polite, almost

on the shoulder. "I knew I could count on you. Amelia's a

20, but she didn't need to be talked about

here, Dad," she mutt

in to kiss her forehea

d been determined not to cry, but now, with her father about to

Bryan said softly, looking into her eyes. "

d, her voice bare