29 parts Complete Nick raised an eyebrow, then pointed at her before jerking his head toward the door, a silent command. She hesitated, clearly unsure if he was addressing her. He gave a firm nod to confirm. Without another word, he turned on his heel and strode out, fully expecting her to follow.
Sure enough, hurried footsteps echoed behind him as Candice struggled to catch up. Amused, he smirked and lengthened his stride just to make it harder for her. The quiet muttering behind him-probably curses directed at him-only made his grin widen.
Then, abruptly, he stopped and spun around.
She had no time to react.
With a soft gasp, she stumbled right into him, her small frame colliding against his chest. Instinctively, his arms shot out, one securing her waist, the other catching her wrist. For a brief moment, the world stilled.
The scent of vanilla and something floral-maybe jasmine-filled his senses, making his grip on her tighten just a fraction. Her hair brushed against his chin, silky and soft, sending a rush of warmth down his spine. His heart pounded unexpectedly, each beat echoing in his ears.
Candice's eyes fluttered shut, her lashes trembling as though bracing for a fall that never came. She looked... vulnerable. Almost fragile, like a porcelain doll. A sudden warmth spread through Nick's chest, an unfamiliar feeling he wasn't ready to acknowledge.
When she finally opened her eyes, her gaze met his, wide with shock. The magnetic pull between them was undeniable, a charge that neither seemed able to break. Her soft breath fanned across his skin, sending an unexpected shiver down his spine. For the first time in a long while, his heart skipped a beat.
