Savannah
I should've taken the stairs.
The moment the elevator doors close, sealing me inside with him, I know I've made a mistake.
Kian leans against the wall, arms crossed, watching me with that dark, unreadable gaze.
Waiting.
I pretend not to notice.
Pretend I don't feel the heat rolling off him.
Pretend my pulse doesn't betray me.
The numbers on the panel blink. Too slow.
The tension? Too thick.
And then-a jolt.
The lights flicker. The elevator shudders to a stop.
My stomach drops. No.
I press the buttons, once, twice-nothing.
"You've got to be kidding me," I mutter.
And behind me?
A dark chuckle.
I freeze.
Because I know that laugh.
Know exactly what it means.
Slowly, I turn.
Kian is still leaning against the wall. Completely calm.
Like he was waiting for this.
Like he's enjoying this.
The tension shifts-becomes something else.
Something lethal.
Something inescapable.
"You're trapped with me now, Tiger," he murmurs.
My breath hitches.
Because I know him.
And Kian never wastes an opportunity.
---
He moves.
Slow. Deliberate. Like a predator.
Until he's right in front of me, his body crowding mine.
The elevator is too small.
His presence is too much.
And his voice?
Too damn dangerous.
"You've been avoiding me," he murmurs, tilting his head. "Running."
"I haven't," I lie.
His smirk is lazy. Amused. Deadly.
"Really?" His fingers skim my jaw. Barely a touch. But enough to set me on fire.
"You sure about that?"
I swallow hard.
Because I know exactly what happens if I say the wrong thing.
If I push him too far.
But then-he does it for me.
He presses me against the wall.
One hand gripping my waist. The other flat beside my head, caging me in.
The heat between us is unbearable.
"You're shaking," he murmurs. Smug. Certain. Ruthless.
"Am I?" I shoot back, feigning innocence.
Kian laughs-low and dark.
And then?
He leans in, his lips brushing my ear.
"Tell me," he whispers, "is it fear?"
Pause.
I let the tension stretch-let him think he's won.
Then I lift my chin.
Meet his gaze.
And smile.
"No, Kian." I breathe.
"It's anticipation."
YOU ARE READING
NO STRINGS ATTACHED
RomanceThey hate each other. Always have. Savannah Hayes and Kian Mercer have been rivals since high school-constantly pushing, constantly challenging, always standing in each other's way. But one night changes everything. One reckless mistake. One moment...
