~ STARK ~
Wrenching myself away from Hildie, I whirled, chest heaving and strode away, clawing a hand through my hair and shaking my head. "I'm sorry. I wasn't—"
"No, it's not bad. God… Gabriel it's…"
"I know."
"I want you."
I stopped walking and turned to face her, my breath fast and shallow. "Hildie… I fucking burn for you," I snarled.
She blinked and I worried I'd scared her. But then a gorgeous, happy smile broke on her face and I took a step back toward her.
She didn't stop smiling, but her hands came up and she shook her head. "No, I have to leave soon and I can't be… flustered."
Swallowing back the roiling disappointment and thwarted desire, I ran both hands through my hair. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—"
