The fear of nearly losing her had wrapped around him like a vice, choking him. But now, with the danger momentarily at bay, something darker, deeper clawed its way to the surface, a need so raw it made his fingers flex involuntarily at his sides.

Blair looked up at him, her eyes wide, searching his face. “Roman… Sir-”

He was on her before she could finish, his mouth crushing hers, swallowing whatever words she had been about to say. His kiss was not gentle. It was desperate, punishing, ...