Clara BennettI stood there on the sidewalk, still wrapped in Ryder’s arms, my face pressed against his chest. The scent of his cologne mixed with something deeper, more masculine, filled my nose with every shaky breath I took. My hands were still gripping the front of his shirt tightly.Ryder pulled back slightly but kept his hands on my shoulders, steadying me. His dark eyes searched my face carefully. “I wanted to see you,” he said, his voice low. “I couldn’t stop thinking about you after you left the office. I just… can’t get enough of you lately. And when I saw that taxi driver acting strange, I knew something was wrong. I felt it.”My heart hammered against my ribs. I looked up at him, my mouth slightly open. The way he said it ... so direct, so honest ... made heat rush to my face. I stepped back a little, adjusting the strap of my bag on my shoulder.“You should come inside,” I said quietly, my voice still unsteady. “For a minute. I need to get ready for the gala anyway.”Ryd
Last Updated : 2026-06-01 Read more