Harper’s breath hitched, a sharp, uneven gasp betraying her careful composure. She lifted her chin, trying to smolder with defiance, but her pulse thundered, betraying every word she denied.
“Y-you’re ridiculous,” she spat, voice quivering despite her best effort. “I—It was just—don’t flatter yourself, Ashcroft!”
Her hands twitched at her sides, itching to shove him away, but her body lingered, drawn in despite her protests. She refused to admit it, refused to let him see, yet every nerve sang with awareness of him—his heat, his nearness, the memory of last night that still clung to her skin.
Ashcroft’s eyes locked on hers, sharp, predatory. The heat between them almost unbearable. His hand found her hip, holding her firm, testing her reactions.
Harper’s breath caught, her pulse racing
