Sublime

But he’d protected her. Held her when she started to fall apart.

“Touch her”—his voice was laced with malice, even as it faded to a mere whisper—“and I’ll annihilate you all.”

“Are you completely mad?” “Not yet.”

“You are twisted, pet.” “What can I say?” Amusement laced her tone. “You bring out the very best in me.”

From the moment Synton strode into her gallery she’d felt drawn to him, a bit of that bright-eyed girl returning, longing to be wanted madly. More fool her, she supposed.