The feeds shifted to vehicles moving. Only then did Ash’s spine relax, like steel flexing under the awareness of what he’d just done. The change in him was subtle but unmistakable.
At least to Ellory.
She realized her eyes were burning from staring at the screen and small spots danced around the edges of her vision.
Ellory looked at Sophie. “I need a minute.”
Sophie didn’t glance up. “Go on.”
Ellory stepped into the hallway, enveloped by a sudden stillness after the layered noise of comms and commands.
She pressed her fingertips into her temples.
“You were chewing your glasses earlier.”
Sucking in a gasp at the low rumble so close to her ear, she whipped around to face Ash. He’d followed her.
“What do glasses have to do with anything?” She folded her fingers into a fist to keep from reaching for him.
He stepped closer, and she backed up until her spine met with the wall. When he planted his hands on either side of her and leaned down, her breaths came in fast puffs.
He didn’t touch her.
That was the problem.
He was close enough that his body heat scorched through the thin fabric of her blouse. Close enough that she could see the pulse at the base of his tanned throat.
Close enough that if she tipped her chin just a little bit, her lips would brush his.
But she wanted him closer.
His dark eyes blazed down into hers. For one pulsing heartbeat, she didn’t even know if shecouldstop herself fromsliding her hands up his chest and pulling him down to her mouth the way she’d imagined all day.
“You have work to do.” Her words lacked conviction.
“I wanted to make sure you were all right.”
The concern in his voice undid her more than any hunger would have.
A ragged breath slipped out before she could stop it. “I am.”
His gaze dropped briefly—to her mouth. Then back to her eyes.
“Then we’ll shelf this for later.” Another beat passed, sounding like thunder in her ears, then he pushed off the wall.
He took one step toward the war room.
Her hand shot out of its own accord and she wrapped her fingers around his forearm. Solid muscle flexed beneath her touch.
He stilled.
Slowly, he dropped his gaze to her hand where she held him, then lifted back to her face.
His expression was darker now, and she saw control fraying behind his eyes.
“Where?” she whispered.
His jaw tightened once, the crease bulging.
