Page 24

When I remain frozen, she asks, “Should I stop?”

My arms shoot up, locking around her so fucking fast, I shock myself.

“No.” The single word is hoarse as I struggle to process what she’s making me feel.

Slowly, my body takes over, and I find myself gripping her tighter while pressing my nose into her T-shirt. When I inhale, I get a lungful of her scent.

Christ. She feels and smells fucking amazing.

The citrus from the cleaner we use on the counter clings to her, along with something faintly sweet and natural.

I can’t remember the last time anyone hugged me, and it feels so good that I never want to let go.

But then an alarm goes off in the back of my mind, reminding me that I should put a stop to this right now.

My world will devour Annie and destroy all the good inside her.

Just as fast, I pull back. Darting to my feet, I walk to the front door while the words rumble from me. “Good night, Annie.”

“Night.” I hear her move as I step out into the hallway. “Owen?”

I pause and only turn my head slightly, knowing if I look at her, I might go back to her sofa so I can feel more of that amazing hug.

“Yes.”

“Thank you for tonight.” She clears her throat, then adds, “For coming to my rescue and letting me get to know you a little. I can see it’s difficult for you, but I want you to know I appreciate it.”

Nodding, I step into the hallway and pull my key out before unlocking my door. When I shut it behind me, I stand still, trying to process everything that’s happened.

Losing control in the bar is no longer an issue, but it’s what came afterward that fills my mind and makes me feel uneasy.

When Annie’s glasses got knocked off, I was by her side in a heartbeat, and after that, I couldn’t tear myself away from her. Learning she couldn’t see much without them only made the protectiveness I already felt toward her spiral out of control. I carried her around because I knew my arms were the safest place for her while she was vulnerable.

Then I let her take care of my hand. It wasn’t needed at all.

And the questions, the urge to get to know her.

Annie’s understanding words.

The hug. Between all the death, blood, and violence, I’ve forgotten what it felt like.

My hands fist at my side, and it takes all my self-restraint not to go back to Annie and demand another hug from her.

Before I do something stupid, I take off my boots and rip my shirt over my head. Picking up the jump rope, I set a fast pace as I skip in place.

Only once sweat beads on my skin do I drop the rope and move to the doorway pull-up bar I installed the week I moved in. Grabbing hold of it, I continue with the brutal pace, desperately trying to silence my mind.

I push my body fucking hard until I finally begin to feel a burn in my muscles, and my grip on the bar slips.

Dropping to the floor, I look at the home gym I set up in my living room, but then an alarm sounds on my phone, and I quickly dig the device out of my pocket.

I go into the app and see Miles talking with Annie in the hallway. He’s carrying two plates that are covered with foil. She takes one from him, giving him a thankful smile while sticking around when he knocks on my door.

After the long night and workout, I could do with food. It’s the only reason I open my front door.

Miles looks me up and down, then asks, “Working out?”

I nod, my eyes flicking to Annie, who’s staring at me with a stunned expression on her face.