"You often use that nickname," I persist, and he chuckles.

"I'm not attempting to belittle you," he reassures me, his hand on my hip causing my thoughts to cloud.

I sneak a quick glance at him, and despite the darkness, his green eyes are captivating. "Even though I'm aware you don't hold me in high regard, I appreciate everything you've done," I mumble, and he shakes his head.

"Julianna, if I didn't like you, I wouldn't have gone to such lengths," he admits, and my eyes ...