Page 23 of Michael
When his hand folds around mine, I’m stunned. The sole brush of his fingertips sends a shiver through me, and it's as if a million invisible sparks are flying between us. His touch is gentle, yet strong and confident, and radiates a subtle electricity that stops time and leaves me breathless.
I swallow hard. “Apology accepted…” I manage, trapped in a daze as we stand face to face.
He stares at me for a while, expressionless, before finally finding his voice. Michael clears his throat and says, “Shouldn’t you be on another date with what’s-his-name?”
“Jack Langley,” I amend, catching my breath. “And no. Finding this beast is kind of important…” I throw him a mischievous glance. “What’s-his-namecan wait.” A wicked smirk curls my lips.
Michael cracks half a smile. He’s wearing black jeans and a skin-tight T-shirt, not his scrubs. Even with the leather jacket on top, I can glimpse the ripped muscles underneath.
“I met your brothers today,” I tell him teasingly.
“So I hear,” he replies in a stern tone, roving my face with ocean-blue eyes. His gaze then locks on my own. “Listen, you don’t have to do this. We can call it a day. I’ll have Uri hire someone to take care of it.”
“No. Iwantto do this,” I reply, adamant.
His tigerish eyes narrow. “Why do you care so much?” he asks.
“Are you kidding?” I snap. “I don’t want an innocent kid to get maimed by the kodi just becauseIfelt like going on a date.”
Michael nods gravely. “Well…” He moistens his lower lip. “In that case, I’m helping you find thiskodi. Is that all right?”
I shrug. “I guess.”
“Good,” he replies in an earnest tone. “Then how about this? You tell me where to look and I’ll do as you say.”
He inches closer. My knees buckle at his nearness. His presence is so powerful and overwhelming. My breath hitches and my heart races like I’m freaking Thumper… Why am I thinking ofBambi?
Silently, his hand draws near and pulls a stray lock of hair away from my face.
My cheeks burn. “Um…” I utter. “Sounds good.”
“So, shall we open it?” His eyes lock on the blood-smeared door as if he’s about to step into a lion’s den. His face hardens, not out of fear but with resolute calm.
“Be careful,” I quietly say.
He takes the doorknob in his hand, lifting it ever so slightly until the door opens with a loud creak. Once it swings fully, Michael just stands there, his tall figure obstructing the view of what lies beyond. Meanwhile, I’m stuck behind him, unable to see what’s on the other side.
“What is it? What are you seeing?” I blurt eagerly.
He shuts the door.
“Hey!” I scowl. “I want to see what’s inside!”
“I don’t think you should.” He speaks the words flatly. His eyebrows tangle and a muscle in his jaw twitches as he looks away from me. He’ll never budge, I’m sure of it.
A wave of determination washes over me. “What’s in there?” I ask, peeking behind him.
He smiles tightly, pressing his lips together in a thin line. “Well, it looks like the kodi did their job. No wonder I’ve never seen a rat in this place.” His voice comes low and tense.
“Is that it?” I press. “No trace of the kodi? Just a bunch of dead rats?” I’m frustrated and upset, and Michael’s unmovable.
“Pretty much.” He folds his burly arms over his chest and straightens, making himself even taller.
I stand before him, my voice and expression serious. “Michael,” I begin, “you need to move out of the way.”
He starts, taken aback by my resolve. “What? But I…”
“Get out of the way,” I snap, and smooth my rudeness with, “please.”
