Present Day
Ishouldhatehim.
After what happened. After what I’m about to do.
The hallway seems endlessly long.
Fluorescent lights above flicker faintly, casting long shadows on the sterile walls.
My heels click against the polished floor, the sound sharp and echoing in the emptiness. This has been the worst day of my life. Unbelievable grief. Confusing emotions.
The air is thick, charged, like the calm before a storm.
I see a sliver of light seeping out of the room. My feet move on their own, drawn to it like a moth to a flame. The door is slightly ajar. I push it open, my breath catching in my throat.
The stark room is bathed in warm, golden light, a stark contrast to the cold, clinical hallway. A hospital bed sits in the center, and perched on the edge is Seamus. Right where I left him.
His longish, wavy hair falls into his face, the brown strands catch the light as his piercing blue eyes lock on to mine. He wears blue scrubs, the fabric clings to his muscular frame making my stomach flip.
A slow, knowing smile spreads across his face, and my heart skips a beat.
“Marcella.” His deep tone is like velvet.
I should turn around and leave again. This is wrong. My feet won’t move. Instead, I step inside and the door clicks shut behind me. I can’t tear my eyes away from him.
“I shouldn’t be here,” I whisper and swallow hard.
Iwantto be here. My nipples pebble under his heated stare. Arousal soaks my panties.
Seamus stands, slow and deliberate and takes a step toward me. “You should.” He takes my hand without breaking eye contact. “You want this as much as I do.”
I open my mouth to deny it. The words won’t come. He’s absolutely right. Ihavebeen thinking about him nonstop. For too long. Now, we’re close enough for me to smell the faint scent of his cologne—warm and woodsy, with a hint of spice.
His free hand cups my cheek tenderly. I shiver at the contact.
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmurs, his gaze roaming over my face. “So sexy in your power suit. Your warrior princess armor.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I try to step back, never comfortable being assessed this way.
“Yes, you do.” He rakes his eyes up and down my body appreciatively. “You hide behind the wall you’ve built. Afraid to let anyone see the real you. I do, Marcella. I see you and tonight, I wantallof you.”
His words cut through me, stripping away the layers of defense I’ve built over the years. I’m exposed, vulnerable, and yet…I know I won’t run anymore. I’ve been fantasizing about this moment for too long. Iwantto be here with Seamus.
He steps closer, his body inches from mine. Heat radiates off him. My breath hitches as his hand slides down to my hip, his touch firm but gentle.
“You don’t have to be afraid,” he whispers, his lips brushing against my ear. “I’m gonna take care of you.”
I close my eyes, my mind spinning. This is inappropriate. Morally. Ethically. Except, my body responds to him instinctively, leaning into his touch, craving more. He tilts my chin up, forcing me to meet his gaze.
“Tell me you want this,” he drawls like liquid sex. “Tell me you wantme.”
I should say no. I should push him away. The words coming out of my mouth are the opposite.
“Yes,” I whisper. “I want you more than anything.”
“Thank Christ. I can't resist you.” His lips crash down on mine, and the world tilts.
The kiss is fierce, hungry. It steals the breath from my lungs and sends sparks through me like I’ve never known. When his hands move to my hips to pull me to him, I instinctively flinch and he leans back, concerned.
