Chapitre 318: Finding Courage – Part 2

~ STARK ~

Wrenching myself away from Hildie, I whirled, chest heaving and strode away, clawing a hand through my hair and shaking my head. "I'm sorry. I wasn't—"

"No, it's not bad. God… Gabriel it's…"

"I know."

"I want you."

I stopped walking and turned to face her, my breath fast and shallow. "Hildie… I fucking burn for you," I snarled.

She blinked and I worried I'd scared her. But then a gorgeous, happy smile broke on her face and I took a step back toward her.

She didn't stop smiling, but her hands came up and she shook her head. "No, I have to leave soon and I can't be… flustered."

Swallowing back the roiling disappointment and thwarted desire, I ran both hands through my hair. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—"