Page 93 of Hard to Resist

“You can’t keep running away.”

Still, I don’t breathe a word.

Cullen stalks toward me, forcing me to take a few short steps back until I’m pressed against the wall of our very small box. I can feel my heart pounding against my rib cage. The blood in my veins heats up, causing a flush to deepen my cheeks.

The air between us crackles, the pressure rising and rising as he continues to close the distance. He lifts my arm, pressing my wrist into the wall next to my shoulder. I’m caged by his body yet again, but this time it is so much worse.

Cullen leans forward, nose millimeters from my own. His exhales become my inhales as my traitorous body syncs itself to his rhythm.

My resolve shatters, panic forcing me to speak out of fear that he is about to kiss me and that I’ll kiss him back.

“What are you doing here?”

He pulls back slightly, a smirk tugging on his lips.

“I told you, I came to watch the ballet.”

“I thought you’d never seen a ballet before.”

“You had me intrigued.”

“Really.”

“Is that so hard to believe? You said it was something you love.”

The gesture weakens my heart, melting the icy barrier I’ve been trying to keep frozen. I give a stiff laugh, trying to keep myself under control.

“Still, what’re the chances of us both being here.”

“Pretty high. A buddy of mine owns this place.”

“You really do know everyone.”

“Knowing people, having plenty of acquaintances, it’s all pointless when the one person you want keeps avoiding you.”

“I wouldn’t call commuting together avoiding you.”

“You haven’t spoken to me in weeks. You won’t respond to any of my texts. That’s avoidance.”

“What texts?”

“Don’t tease me, Verity.”

“Then stop playing with me, Cullen.”

“I’m not playing. I’m serious about this, about you, about us.”

“There can’t be an us. This can’t happen. What part of that haven’t you understood?”

“I understand your fear, but do you really want to throw away everything that could be because of Celine? That woman already rules so much of your life; are you going to allow her to own your happiness as well? I let her do that for years, and I regret it. Won’t you?”

My head spins.

There’s a small part of me that is excited by the thrill of dating Cullen, the knowledge that we shouldn’t be together, that there is danger in us getting caught. It sets me on fire, and I’m not used to that feeling. It’s something I’ve always kept buried, something I’ve always ignored.

Never take a risk. Always play it safe. Just survive and succeed.

That’s what I’ve lived by my entire life.

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