Sebastian moved closer, closing the space between them, his body inches from hers.

Callista's heart raced.

His voice was low and strained. "Tell me no."

"What?"

"I can't take another inch unless you say yes. Tell me no, and I'll leave. I won't touch you. I'll respect the line. But you need to tell me no."

"Is that what you want?" she whispered.

"No," he murmured, his thumb still tracing her lower lip. "But it's the right thing to do."

She stared at him, her pulse beating hard, and tried to ...