Page 10 (1/2)

Really? Does thatto me I practically broke down in front of him at our table and he never uttered a word of concern

"Fro that Zachary just delivered the news" Ryder takes another step forward, reaching out to settle his big hand onit a brief, somewhat innocent squeeze

My reaction to his touch is anything but innocent That squeeze swis

"We’re fine Really" I step out of his touch, then et past hiet, when he speaks

"And you? Are you fine, Violet?"

I pause and close ain What’s wrong withstupid Ryder McKay just said? It makes no sense My reaction to this man makes absolutely zero sense

"I’ s spread in a typicalover et but keep myself still "You are" He looks like a warrior ready to stand down against the eneant curl to his upper lip, his eyes glittering in the di at raciousness I need to walk away His presence completely throws me

"Anytime Always so polite, aren’t you," hetoward me, soft and sexy "I hate to see such a beautiful woman so upset"

My knees wobble at his casual co like that to me? Called me beautiful? Such a simple word, but it carries so much power "You flatter me," I murmur in return

"I speak the truth" He steps forward, drawing close once more "May I escort you outside?"

Ryder offers his arm and I have no choice but to accept As he said, I ah his, around his elbow, and he leads nore the hunore the heat that radiates off hile closer

I sh that wants to escape Snuggle is not a word I would use when talking about Ryder I’le with hi," he says, his lips at h me when I feel his war?"

The hing," I counter "Just s at someone I know"