Avannah's POV
I instinctively crossed my arms over my chest and forced a small smile at Raider. Why was he here? Had he really come because he hadn’t seen me at the company? And why did the way he looked at me feel… different? Almost flirtatious?
“Don’t hide,” he said softly. “You’re beautiful.”
My throat tightened. I felt rooted in place, caught by the intensity of his gaze. Before I realized it, my arms loosened and fell back to my sides. A slow smile curved his lips.
“You’ve grown into someone breathtaking,” he murmured. “I never imagined you would become like this, Avannah. It’s hard to look away.”
He stepped toward the door and quietly locked it.
“Raider…”
He squeezed his eyes shut and pressed his fingers to his temple, as if fighting with himself. When he looked at me again, h
