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“I want to stick it in yours.”

And the spell is broken. I scoff at him and continue walking. I have neither the time nor the inclination to listen to his double entendres. I only get a few feet when he grabs me. Again.

“What is it with you and grabbing people? You ever heard of personal space?”

He tightens his hold and pulls me close to him. My heart rate speeds up. He tilts his head to the side and gazes into my eyes. Just like that, the spell is cast once more. I’m unable to look away.

“Why do you keep running from me?”

“I’m not running. I’m leaving, going home.”

He loosens his grip and jerks his head toward his bike.

“Hop on. I’ll give you a ride.”

I step back, shaking my head. He watches me, quirking a curious brow.

“Nuh-uh. There’s no way I’m getting on that thing.”

His lips curve up, and suddenly all I can think about is how beautiful his smile is. I can’t let that cloud my judgment. I need to remember who he is and what he represents.

“What, you scared?”

“I’m not scared. I just don’t want people thinking I’m following in Lonnie’s steps. I have to think about my reputation.”

“I’m only offering you a ride home.”

“Yes, butyourreputation precedes you.”

He shoves his hands in his pockets and nods in understanding.

“It’s just a ride. Unless, of course, you want to ride me, too.”

He gives me a smug smile and I narrow my eyes at him.He thinks he’s so smooth.

“I’ve heard you’re a player. If this is how you pick up women, there’s something seriously wrong with them.”

“Actually, they usually try to pickmeup.”

“Oh, God. It’s worse than I thought.”

He chuckles and steps into my space once more. My body is hyperaware of him. Why do I have to be attracted to the very thing I need to stay away from?

“Let me take you home.”

“That’s okay. I’ll walk.”

I turn around but before I can take a step, his voice, low and commanding, stops me.

“Raven, it’s getting dark and I don’t want you walking alone. I’m taking you home.”

Beyond the arrogance of him asserting his perceived control over me, there’s a level of concern in his tone that affects me. Why would he care? He doesn’t even know me. It’s obvious he’s interested in me, but I’ve made my position quite clear. Is he just looking out for my safety, or is it a tactic to blindside me? I face him once more and he flashes a crooked smile.

“Look, Mr.…?”

“Mr.? How old do you think I am?”

“I don’t know. How old do you thinkIam?”