章 23: What feels like love

Andrei's hold remained firm, it was as if he never wanted to let her go. 

"Not yet," He answered, and there was a hint in his voice that he meant much more than this particular instance. 

They were only getting started.

 Furthermore, neither of them was ready for the possible outcome. A silent observer of a moment that would alter everything, the autumn wind rustled through the courtyard. 

With a purposeful motion, Suzanne withdrew herself, ending the tense moment between them. Her body could not keep up with the barricades her mind was building. 

He was a threat. Sure, it's pretty, but it's dangerous, she told herself. Andrei watched her back away with a faint, knowing, angry smile on his lips. 

His smile gave the impression that he was always in charge and three steps ahead. His voice was a velvet-edged challenge, "Something wrong?"

She wouldn't participate, she refused to show him the impact of that brief closeness on her.