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"I’m scared."

"Of me?"

"Of what you make me feel."

"I won’t take advantage while you’re still unsure. Rest. Be with your family."

"And then what happens next?"

"I’ll pursue you until I get what I want."

"And what do you want?"

"I’m a man of action, not words, Brooklyn. I’ll give you a week to adjust to your new routine, and then I’ll take you out to dinner."

"And if I say no?"

"You won’t say no, or you wouldn’t have called me. You want this too. You can’t deny the chemistry between us."

"I’m not denying it; I’m just being honest. If all you want is to take me to bed, find someone else, Athanasios."

"I want you in my bed too. Don’t doubt that for a second. I want your thighs around my waist while I take you hard and deep. But more than that, I want to get to know you better. I may not make promises, Brooklyn, but I never lie."

"One week?" I repeat what he said, my heart pounding so hard I fear I’m having a panic attack.

"Yes. That’s enough time for you to start settling back in."

"You’re so . . ."

"Arrogant?"

"That too."

"And what else?"

"Controlling."

"Nothing I haven’t heard before. You’ll have to try harder, Brooklyn."

I take a deep breath to summon my courage. "It was the best kiss of my life. I didn’t want it to end. Good night, Athanasios."

I quickly hang up, unable to believe I had the nerve to say that, but I’m smiling. A warm, delightful sensation spreads through me.

I’ve never flirted before, and I can say with absolute certainty that I’ve never been this bold. I’d give anything to see his face right now.

Did I surprise him?

I hope so.

"One week," I whisper to myself, "and then he’ll come after me."

Fear and anticipation mix in equal parts within my chest, bringing a sweet, warm feeling.

Athanasios

CHAPTER TWENTY

Days Later