Elise, still caught on the peak of her desire, could not understand at first. But when her clarity returned, confusion turned into anger. “What? You cannot? Are you out of your mind?”

Gaara turned to her. “Yes. So leave, Elise.”

“What is wrong with you?” Her voice rose sharply. She had never been rejected by anyone. Any man she wanted was supposed to be hers to taste, even Vinson. But Gaara? He had stirred her hunger, only to throw her out before anything even began. There was ...