The moment I took a step forward, Avalor's hand closed around mine, his fingers touching my chilled skin. His gaze held mine; that haunting, predatory gaze seemed to hold me enthralled. There was something oddly gentle in the strength with which he drew me toward him as if he was reclaiming something precious.
For a moment I let myself go with it, but every step was like walking towards a cliff. Then Richard's voice cut through the mist.
"Melissa, don't do this!" He sounded frantic, yet I couldn't look up and meet his gaze. I had to see this through.
"Mind your own business, Richard," Avalor snarled at him, eyes flashing with warning. "This has nothing to do with you."
