"You're stupid."
Lily's voice was sharp, but the way her breath hitched betrayed her.
"Doesn't matter now."
Artis didn't even glance at her, his voice dripping with pure, reckless confidence.
"I have one target and one target only."
Finally, he turned, locking eyes with her. His grip on her hand was firm, possessive, claiming.
"And that is… to show you how a real man protects his woman."
He turned, walking forward with confidence, leading her by the hand like he owned her soul. And damn it, her traitorous heart had the audacity to start hammering against her ribs like a drunk trying to break into a bar after last call.
'What the hell?'
She clutched her chest with her free hand, as if she could physically stop the wild beating, but it was useless. A fiery warmth spread through her face, creeping down her neck, settling low in her belly.
'What the fuck is this?'