Thorne watched as Issa’s face showed her confusion and shock. He had just told her the truth: he had no ledgers to check. He had simply wanted her away from Val, to get to know her better. He had just exposed a part of himself that was not all Alpha and power to her. And now he could see how her mind was working, trying to make sense of him.

He moved closer to her, his movements slow and careful. The warmth from the fireplace touched her back. He stood close enough to feel the soft warmth of ...