Sublime

He was a mistake she couldn’t afford to make.

“We are who we are,” she agreed. Gabe despised the defeated note in her voice. He liked who she was, beneath the mask.

His thigh pushing between mine. Being pressed into the wall. The woodsy smell at the base of his— Wait. What?

As Pandora hesitated, thoroughly intimidated, he assured her, “I’m quite trustworthy. In fact, I’m very nearly an angel. You’ll come to love me in no time.”

“He’s been alone and is determined to remain that way. He doesn’t trust anyone, but he respects those who challenge him. I suspect that’s why you are here. He’s angry, resentful, bored, in more pain than he lets on—and you’ll either be the making of him, or he’ll be the ruin of you.” She swallowed hard. “If it helps,” he said, “the entire staff is

“How will you know if you don’t try?”

based on the story situation and their individual desires and goals.