CHAPTER 19

Slowly, Annalise nodded. Her fingers went to her forehead and she dug them into her hair. Still, Lance could see them shaking, and Annalise swallowed again, her slim neck working with the effort.

“Please, Lance,” she whispered. “I can’t do this. It’s the one thing I can’t do. It’s a promise I made to myself. So, don’t ask it of me. Look, if you want me to admit it, to admit I’m attracted to you, I will. If this could help you in some way... if this could ease the way you’re feeling, fine... I want you, Lance. More than I have ever wanted another man. More than I want my next breath.”

Savage satisfaction gripped Lance. Didn’t just grip him but lunged for him and wrapped a hand around his throat and his groin. His entire body reacted to that simple statement.

Annalise wanted him more than she had ever wanted anyone else.

She turned on the couch until she faced forward and her feet met the floor. She looked in turns miserable and scared. Her eyes were cl