MAEVE HAWTHORN. What? There’s no way he just said that. I felt weak to my knees and my entire being shivered as I finally looked up at him. His green eyes were dark with desire and even though I wanted to convince myself that he was just messing with me, his expression was serious. His lips were pressed together in a thin, bitter smile and his brows drew together as the side of his lips curled as if at the edge of laughter. My heart tightened against my chest and I felt a large lump seeking refuge in my throat. It was as though I’d just taken a blow to my face and I had no idea what to do next. “What?” I had no idea I’d said that until I heard it in my own head. His grip around my wrist tightened even more, making me feel as though he was hanging onto me for life. What kind of a man

