What would it take for me to get over him? What would it take for my heart to heal the wound I’d given myself?

The tear that slipped from my eye, the pouring rain washed it away. I hope it could take away the ache also.

A flash of blinding light fell into my eyes, causing me to cover them with my hands. A shout of my name came with a screech of tires as a pair of strong arms moved me away from the way.

The driver yelled out some curses, driving away when my gaze remained in no particular direction with my heart pounding in my chest.

“What the hell is wrong with you! Where was your attention? You could’ve died, God damn it!” He shook my shoulders, getting me out of my shock. Stormy gray eyes blazed with fire under the cold raindrops.

He was done with his lady love and came after me?

“So what?” I snapped, pushing him away. “It’s not like you’d care if I died! Go enjoy your dinner with your girlfriend!”

His jaw clenched, grabbing my arm. “She’s not my girlfriend. And don’t you dare talk about—”

“I don’t care! Leave me alone! And do not touch me again, I’m warning you!” I jerked my hand from his grasp and turned to my car.

A gasp left my lips as my chest collided against his. Wrapping an arm around my waist, he grabbed my nape with the other hand. “I won’t leave you alone. Get that into your beautiful head. And about touching you—” he leaned in, his nose brushing mine, “—no one can stop me from touching you. Not even you, Rosebud. Because you’re mine to touch.”

His forehead pressed against mine. With our noses touching, stormy gray clashed with my turquoise as strong arms clutched me to them in a possessive grip.

My breath hitched at my throat, heart racing. My blood streamed hot in my veins, breathing came out ragged as he pulled me closer, cupping my cheek.

Raindrops rolled down his head to the thick lashes as he gazed at my lips with unmistakable dark desire. My own lips parted at the heat of his body against mine. My insides burned for something.

“Mine. Just mine,” he rasped, placing his hot mouth at the corner of my lips. My eyelids threatened to shut, drunk in his intoxicating warmth.

My heart whispered his name.

Lingering his mouth on there for a moment, when his lips went to meet mine… A honk of a car jolted me out of my trance. As soon as I got back to my senses, I pushed him away.

Surprise and something close to disappointment flashed across his hard features. His hand shot up to reach me again, but he stopped himself from doing so. Closing his eyes for a second, he opened them again. This time, they held calm and composure.

“Emerald, I…”