Merlina's back was still against the cool, polished oak bedroom door, Craig's fingers pressed deeper into her waist without thinking, then faltered.
He stiffened, her words landed like ice against his ribs, sharp, accusing and very unexpected.
His body had been a furnace against hers seconds ago, now she could feel the heat drain as his weight shifted away.
"No." The word spilled out before he could control it. It was brittle, empty, lacking conviction. A lie even he could feel in his bones.
Merlina's brow lifted. She let out a sharp, disbelieving scoff and eased her head back against the door.
Her arms crossed loosely, her body retreating, leaving a small, painful gap between them. Chest rising and falling, a mixture of hurt and disbelief written plainly across her face in the stillness of the bedroom.
Craig's eyes followed her every movement, searching. His mouth opened again, as if tasting the words before he could speak.
"What?" he asked quietly, almost desperately.
