His words made my stomach flip. I hated that nickname, hated how he said it like I was prey caught in his claws… and yet, the sound of it wrapped around me, sinking deep into places I didn’t want to admit existed. Heat curled low in my belly, unwelcome but impossible to ignore.
“You’re impossible,” I snapped, my palms pressing against his chest with more force than before. His chest was solid, his heart steady under my hand, while mine raced like it wanted to escape my ribs. I shoved, but it was like pushing against a wall—he barely moved an inch. My body begged to stay close, and I despised myself for it.
“And you,” he murmured softly, his voice as smooth as velvet, his eyes glinting with something dark and knowing, “are adorable when you’re flustered.” His lips quirked like he was amus
