I lift her to her feet with a little more force than necessary, bringing her close enough that I can smell her delicate vanilla perfume.
“I should get home.” She doesn’t move. “It’s been a long day.”
“I’ll walk you to your car.”
After the warmth of the restaurant, the night air outside feels cool against my skin.
At the sight of Chloe hugging herself, I fight the urge to offer my jacket.
Too revealing. The holster would stand out and distract her. I need her off-kilter, not wary.
Besides, the gesture would imply concern.
I cannot care.
Instead, I place my hand at the small of her back, guiding her through the parking lot. She doesn’t shy away from the contact.
When we reach her Volvo, she spins around to face me, keys clutched in her hand like a talisman. “Thank you. For the wine.”
“Thank you for the company.” I glide closer, invading her space.
She backs up farther than necessary, until she’s pressed against her car door. Her eyes never leave mine. I spot traces of fear, as well as something else. Hunger.
I lean in even more, bracing one hand against the door and effectively caging her between my body and the metal.
Her breath quickens, pupils dilating in the dim light of the parking lot. Heat radiates from her skin.
She wants this.
Me.
Heady, intoxicating power thrums through me. I could take her mouth right this second. Claim her. My eyes drop to her waiting lips.
She wouldn’t resist.
But that’s not the game.
I stop, my mouth an inch from hers. Close enough for her shallow breaths to tickle my skin. Close enough that she only needs to drift forward, just slightly, to bridge the gap.
She doesn’t.
I retreat and open her door before giving her the leftovers. “Get home safe, Chloe.”
Pivoting, I stroll away, leaving her breathless and frustrated.
Control maintained. Game still in play.
After a few moments, her door closes, and the engine sputters to life. The sound of her tires on asphalt fades as she drives away. Only then do I allow myself to reach into my pocket and close my fingers around her phone.
Phase one complete.
Time for phase two.
Chapter 7
Chloe
Fred rattles down the empty street, a tin can in the wake of the freight train called Kolya. The steering wheel vibrates under my grip, or maybe that’s just my hands, which are still unsteady from what didn’t happen in the restaurant parking lot. For a moment, I was convinced he would kiss me.
