The Forbidden Throb

a's

on my arm. "Come on now

ous quiet. "Remove your hand from her arm now, or I'll personally ensure you're

rtainty in his eyes or the firm set of his jaw-made

ng me a dismissive glance befor

realized I was holding, my kn

and I reached for the a

ser, concern evident in hi

ds sounded unconvincing even to my ow

is gaze assessing. "How mu

at I remember, anyway." I attempted a lig

th a resigned sigh. "

grip on my arm still fresh in my mind. After what had just happened,

functioning clearly, knew I needed help. Even if that he

blance of dignity. Each step required far more focus than it should have, and despi

tables, my ankle wobbled, sending m

is forearm to steady myself. The fine material of his

sed at my touch. It lasted only a fraction of a second, but even throu

better support my weight without making it obvious

he guided me toward the exit, his hand hove

ied. "End of quarter celebra

pically stirred in me, tonight I could only feel

istent, or I'd been even less steady on my feet? The possibiliti

like a splash of cold water, m

my shoulders. The fabric was warm from his body and carried that di

said, gesturing to a sleek blac

e stepped forward to open the door, h

y, extending his hand palm-up to

euvered into the passenger seat. Despite my light-headedness

hat it barely registered we were moving unti

lled me into a drowsy state. I rested my head against t

heard him say something-his

to be him?" I couldn't be certain, and before I could ask

w, a gentle hand was

ke up. We

moment before recognizing Daniel's voi

it of drool from the corner of my mouth. Perf

eadable in the dim light. "Do you have a

omptu nap, finally registered our location-

past the lobby," I mumbl

ted at the bright screen, somehow managing to type o

. Thanks for...you

d Olivia's voice f

voice carried through the

ssenger side and peered in, her eyes widen