chapter 12

Ryan

My mind was a jumbled mess as I made my way to my childhood home, my confrontation with Samantha swirling through my thoughts. When I’d walked into the bookstore, the first thing that’d struck me was how gorgeous she was. Her body had matured, and she’d gotten curvier. Her dark brown hair was still long and the way it’d fallen around her shoulders made it seem soft and luxurious. I’d wanted to run my fingers through it to see if it was as silky as I remembered. Seven years ago, she’d been short and slim and shy. In the bookstore, she’d tilted her head back and her golden eyes had burned with determination as she’d gazed up at me. I’d grown heated at the mere sight of her.

The Samantha of seven years ago would never have spoken to me like she had today, though. She’d been harsh and blunt, and clearly not intimidated by me at all. Most people I encountered were borderline terrified of me. I preferred that. It made dealing with people easier.

I reached the driveway of my old house,