Page 25 of Outlaw

I fight the urge to move away—and that dangerous undercurrent that pulls me closer. It must be those eyes.

“I have no idea,” I say barely above a whisper. “Really. I was leaving my place to attend a gala benefit for a youth group home in the area. My father couldn’t make it, so I was on my way to cover for him. I was minding my own business, in a hurry on my way out to avoid being late when I ran into you. You know the rest.”

That’s a part-lie too, but whatever it takes, I’m not admitting any more details.

His fingers tighten almost imperceptibly at my throat and I let out a small whimper. Within seconds, he loosens his hold on me but doesn’t let me go, remaining close. When he closes his eyes and inhales slightly, I start to wonder if there’s any truth to the old saying that some people can smell out a lie. His eyes flash open, blazing blue, so gorgeous it almost hurts to look directly at him.

“I can’t trust you,” he admits, his voice gruff and rocky, his fingers shaking against the side of my face. “But I don’t want to hurt you right now.”

“You don’t?” my fingers reach out, brushing the wavy, black ends of his hair that rest at the collar of his cut.

“No. I want to fuck you.”