s Point

nted. The figures on the page seemed to swirl, a silent challenge, as if they were daring me to agree. How could I p

as always, but I hardly registered her presence. My feet carried me forward, my body burdened b

her!" Tara ca

fering a quick smile bef

office door, I

ossed. His stance was casual, but something about i

te, as if he'd just walked off a photo shoot, his chiseled features set in that fami

said, his voice a low rumble, carefu

inally. "Y-Yes, Mr. King," I managed, extending a hand th

dshake was strong, businesslike

felt personal; it w

sizing up the surroundings, the people, and me. "I hope this won't take too

tainly," I replied. I motioned to the chair

avy and awkward. My palms were clammy, my pulse quickened. Wha

oke, his gaze

he said, the words hangi

evident on my face. "I'm

on mine, and it sent a chill through me. There was something in his eyes-something tha

rely audible. I needed to know. The air between us was thick with unspoke

jaw clench

It was as if he was assessing me, scrutinizing every syllable. At last, he l

s, wouldn't you agree?" He inclined his head, and I could have sworn I saw a flash of something in his e

nd. "And what's the real incentive for

his?" I inquired, already

o can match me. Someone who can withstand the strain. This is a

understood this wasn't going to be a romant

his voice so frigid, so deta

like the others, Matthew. I'm not just going to dive int

aze unyielding. "You'll discover it's not a game, either.

de me wouldn't let him see how much they affected me. I

about sta

il roiling within. "I'll consider it," I replied

s he headed for the exit. "You've go

oughts a chaotic whirl. Had he really just proposed a marriage of conv

haking as they clutched the armrests. I

rchitect of my own choices, but th

uiet voice within suggested this was my opportunity-pe

orm within. What, truly, was I afraid of?

t the ma

ready caught up in his orbi

t sure I co