My hand gripped the towel anxiously as Alex took another step forward, and I took another one back, only to hit the wall. He closed the distance between us, and I – lo and behold – whimpered.

“I’d never hurt you, love,” he said gruffly, his eyes taking me in hungrily before settling on my face again. “I just want to make a few things clear.”

I nodded, wondering why he had to get into my personal space to talk, but loving the way he invaded it nonetheless. I gulped down my dread ...