I can feel the fast rhythm of his heart against my back, as it beats in pace with mine. My body trembles and I swear I feel his strong grip shake slightly. My eyes widen as he pulls in, until there is no way we could get any closer — except one. His arousal is evident as he presses my ass against his groin, a low groan escaping his lips.

That sound. The knowledge of what I do to him shakes my insides, makes me weak in the knees. I try to force all thoughts of desire aside, but it’s almost impossible after how long I’ve yearned to be right back here again. In his arms. Surrounded by his smell. Engulfed in his touch. I’m melting into him more by the second, unable to hold onto any logic that could stop me from falling for him again after all he put me through.

After a moment, he slowly exhales a cloud of smoke, then tosses the butt of his cigarette to the floor. Spinning me around in his arms, my eyes meet his for the first time in decades and my breath catches in my throat.

“It’s been a long time, Darling.”

His eyes search mine, a darkness I don’t remember clouds them and this time my heart speeds up in fear.

My mouth feels dry. I know my voice will be weak if I try to speak, so I wait. I try to tell myself to deny the hold he has on me. I wet my lips, trying to remain calm. The second I do, his eyes flash to my mouth and when he looks up, the darkness in his eyes turns completely black. His eyes widen, his nostrils flare and he backs me up against the dresser.

Instinct kicks in, I push back, fight him when I know there is no use. His low laugh spurs me on as I shove against him harder. After a minute of attempting to wrestle out of his hold, both his hands wrap around my neck, and he yanks me into the air. Anticipating, I jump and wrap my legs around his waist, my palm smacking quickly across his strong jaw. Before I have time to register what I’ve just done, his grip around my throat tightens and he slams my body back into the furniture behind me.

I don’t back down. I stare back into his evil glare somehow, finally being able to conjure up all the hatred I feel inside. His eyes flare, but the darkness in them clears for a moment before his grip on my neck tightens further. His jaw clenches and he leans into me.