“It's my fault. I scared you," Bennett acknowledged, his fingers briefly tousling her hair.

With that, he Let go of her and retreated to the bathroom on the far side of the bed.

Left alone, Claudia stared at the closed bathroom door. She touched her thigh where it still burned, her fingers shaking.

Despite the air conditioner humming softly, her entire body felt aflame.

Recalling the intensity of Bennett's kiss and his penetrating gaze, Claudia felt a mix of heat and thirst surge within her.