His home was exactly as I remembered. I tried to harden my heart, but when he led me immediately into his bedroom, his unique scent lingering in the air turned my belly to quivering jelly. Within a few seconds, panic set in. I put my hands out in front of me after he placed my bag on the floor.

"I'm sorry. I don't think I can do this. It hurts too much, Killian."

He didn't move closer. "Talk to me, love."

My voice rose slightly. "How can I? I shouldn't have come. ...