When she thought she’d never see him again…

“Excuse me?” the woman calls out, her face hidden behind an intricate red and gold lace mask. “Will you be joining us before we close the doors?”

I freeze, unsure of what I’m stepping into.

“Do it!” my friend urges. “We’ll wait by the bar.”

She pushes me forward, and as she does, my gaze lands on the man walking right toward me.

Not just any man.

Cillian.

He’s here.

My stomach tightens, air catching in my throat. He locks eyes with me, that signature smirk tugging at his lips, and my heart skips a beat.

His approach is slow, deliberate, and with every step, every inch of me becomes more aware. It’s like he’s got a hold on me, pulling me toward him with every movement.

“She’ll stay.” His tone is deep and commanding, leaving no space for argument.

And in this moment, there’s no place I’d rather be.

I can barely focus on anything else, the weight of his presence consuming me as he stops right in front of me. My body goes weak, like it recognizes him before I do.

“Glad you decided to join us. Please shut the door,” the woman tells me, but I can’t tear my gaze away from Cillian.

He shuts it for me before taking my hand, dragging me toward the corner of the room, guiding me behind a crowd of people. His arm slides around my hips, pulling me in, pressing me into his side.

Every inch of my skin feels alive with his touch, and I try to focus on anything else, but it’s impossible. The way he looks at me, the heat of his body against mine…it’s too much. Too intoxicating.

And I know deep down, I’m already lost.

“I was hoping I’d see you again.” His words are a heated rasp against my ear, sending electric shocks down my spine that leave my skin tingling.

“Did you now?” I fight the smile that tugs at the corners of my lips. “Or maybe you were just stalking me.”

A low, gravelly laugh rumbles from his chest, sending a shiver through me. “Unfortunately for you…I’m not in the habit of stalking women.”

His breath dances over my nape, warm and irresistible. The gentle caress of it sends chills down my spine, unraveling me with every passing second.

“I’m sure there’s a first time for everything.” My smile curls just a little as I watch the darkening of his eyes. A deeper shade of green, like the depths of the ocean.

His arm tightens around my back, like he’s making sure I can’t escape even if I wanted to.

But I don’t.

“You’re right.” His fingers slide through my hair, pushing a few strands behind my ear.

 Shivers rush through me the moment his fingertips graze my skin. The electric connection between us sparks in every direction, making me feel alive in ways I never thought possible.

His lips are mere inches from me, the heat of his breath mingling with my own. His gaze locks onto mine, steady and intense, and I can barely breathe—can hardly think—as every part of me ignites under his stare.

“Am I?” My words are barely a whisper, the tension pulling tight between us.

“Mm-hmm.” His thumb traces the line of my jaw, a low groan slipping from his lips.

The sensation of his touch on me is almost too much, too perfect. I’m swept up in a whirlwind of desire, unable to look away. Unable to think of anything but him.

He pushes me up against the wall, ignoring everyone else, crowding into my space until his entire body is flush with mine. And there’s no mistaking the thick, unforgiving length digging into me.

Top of FormBottom of FormAlisa was definitely right about the whole thick fingers and large dicks, because his is definitely not just a few inches.

“I shouldn’t be thinking the things I am right now.” His breaths land hot on my lips, but he doesn’t kiss me, teasing me with his proximity, until all I want is more. Until I’m craving it on a level I’ve never felt before.

How is that possible? How can I want such things with a man I don’t even know?

But I want to know him. Want him to snap off that mask so I can see him, even if that’s against the rules.

“What things are you thinking about?”