He got closer and I would have stepped back, but his hand came to thee side of my neck, his long fingers sliding up and into my hair behind my ear. His fingers were covered in a leather glove, but it still felt good, good enough to root me to the spot.

He dipped his face closer to mine and whispered, "What're you worried about, baby?"

I took in a breath, let it out and for some reason whispered back honestly, "It's just scary."

"I won't let you get hurt."

"But-"

"Nina, I promise. I won't let you get hurt."

I looked into his eyes and saw they were serious. He wasn't teasing, he wasn't impatient, he wasn't annoyed and he didn't think I was a scaredy-cat. He was just...serious.

"Okay," I whispered.

Author: Kristen Ashley