The car pulled up to the restaurant, sleek and black, idling like a quiet threat. Before the driver could even step out, Ahmir had opened my door himself, his hand offering a steadying hold. His fingers brushed mine in a way that wasn’t accidental—like he was claiming a pulse-point rather than offering courtesy.
“You’re breathtaking,” he murmured, dark eyes tracking every inch of me with slow, unapologetic hunger. “Every single time I see you.”
I swallowed, heat flooding my cheeks. “You’ve said that before,” I managed, breathing thinner than I wanted.
“No,” he said, stepping close enough that the warm imprint of his chest nearly touched my arm. “Not like this time.” His gaze dipped, lingered, rose again. “Tonight, it’s different. Tonight… you’re mine in a way you weren’t before.”
My kn
