"Help me... help me..."
She desperately clutched his shirt, shrinking into his arms with all her might.
It was as if his embrace was the safest fortress, a place where she could no longer be harmed.
"Don't be afraid. It's alright now."
Gently patting her trembling shoulders, he coaxed her in a low voice.
A tub full of hot water warmed both their bodies.
Finally, Holly Sinclair stopped trembling.
The color slowly returned to her pale face.
Tristan Sterling gazed at the little woman who was gradually quieting down in his arms. Feeling her delicate curves, a heat rose through him.
Her crying had left the tip of her nose a rosy pink, making her look both pitiable and adorable.
Unable to restrain himself, he lowered his head and gave her a tentative kiss.
She flinched.
But she didn't struggle.
Tristan Sterling's mind began to race with desire.
She hadn't rejected him.
To him, her lack of refusal was an invitation.
