Chapter 32 - Ryker

I fought to clear my head. To clear her perfume from my nose. To forget the feel of her body in my hands. I was on the edge and I wasn't willing to screw it up again.

"Ryker?"

I bit the inside of my cheek as her soft voice trailed fingers of velvet over my skin. "Not yet, Willow." I struggled to keep my voice even. Quiet.

After a moment, I felt the tension ease from my body. Felt like I had full control over my emotions. I relaxed my hands, flexed my fingers. Pushing the button to start the engine, I checked my surroundings and pulled into the street. This late in Oldtown, there was no traffic.

"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice still soft.

I exhaled. "Yeah. All good now."

As if I could see it, she came out of her shell. Blossomed right next to me. I could feel the questions sitting on her tongue. Bet myself how long it would take for her to ask it.

I would have lost. She lasted about a minute. I'd given her no more than thirty seconds.

"Want to talk about what