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He avoids my gaze.

“Do you?”

“Do I what?” He finally says.

“Think you’re too good for me?” I say. His eyes close a moment. “Ryder...”

Instead of answering, he kisses me.

Not the fake kind.

Not a temple kiss for Evan.

His hand slides into my hair and his mouth comes down on mine.

I grab his shirt.

The room disappears.

When he pulls back, I’m breathless.

“So that’s your answer?”

“No.”

“No?”

“That’s me avoiding the question.”

“At least you’re honest.”

“Rule five.”

I should laugh.

I don’t.

Because he’s still holding me.

And I know exactly what I want.

“You’re coming upstairs with me.”

His eyes darken. “Clara.”

“I’m not drunk.”

“Didn’t say you were.”

“This isn’t about Evan.”

His thumb moves once along my cheek. “You sure?”

“Yes.”

“Because I’m not going upstairs so you can prove something to that asshole.”

“I’m not.”