There’s a bed right behind us.
I try to swallow the thought back, but I can’t stop thinking about the two of us making a mess of the sheets.
Some of it is the simmering attraction between us that has been there since we first locked eyes.
But some of it is because I need a distraction right now.
I need an outlet for the storm racing through me.
I need to feel good.
He can make me feel good.
“You’re really good at this, aren’t you?” I say, taking a step toward him, letting him see the desire in my face.
“Good at what?” he asks, his gaze lowering.
“Getting people to trust you. To let their guard down even when they know they shouldn’t.” I stop in front of him, tilting my head so I can meet his eyes. “Is that how you do it?”
“Do what?”
“Brainwash people.” I rest my head against his chest, where, despite his calm demeanor, his heart is racing.
Good. He wants me too. I’d thought he might, and now I’m sure.
“Do you seduce them first?” I lean forward and press a kiss to his neck. “Tell them a bunch of sweet things so they open up to you.” I slide my tongue along his neck, and he lets out a low groan, his hands snapping to my elbows.
“Sierra—” His voice is dark, warning.
I keep going, whispering into his ear, “Do you get off on seeing how much power you have over women?” I finish by grazing his earlobe with my lips.
He squeezes my arms and pulls me back, his stormy gaze and half-wild smile making him look a little unhinged.
“Oh baby,” he says, his voice like smooth liquor, pure sex and sin. “You have no idea how I get off.”
Then, before I can take a full breath, his lips capture mine.
CHAPTER 6
Luke
Akiss.
One kiss.
That’s all it’s supposed to be. Hell, it wasn’t even supposed to be this.
Believe it or not, kissing her isn’t why I followed her into her room.
I’d had no intention of doing this right now. None.
Sure, I’ve been drooling over this woman all damn day, ever since my eyes first landed on her. She’s beautiful—gorgeous, actually—with wavy blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and curves that hit every weakness I’ve ever had.
But that’s not all.
At first, it was her sharp wit and that daring, unflinching gaze. God, I love a bold woman—someone who can look you straight in the eye and let you know she wants you.
Then I heard she was coming to the retreat, and that gave me pause. Most of our guests show up with a mountain of emotional baggage and unresolved trauma. To help them, we keep distance—professional, emotional, ethical. Transference is real. People mistake safety for attraction. It’s our job not to exploit that. Ever.