The Next Line ( The Lineage Series #2)

Chapter 18

I told myself I wouldn't.

That I'd let her have her space, let her play her little game of pretending she doesn't want me.

But when Jamie called, saying he needed me to grab her—

I didn't hesitate.

And now?

Now, I'm watching her.

Really watching her.

The way her chest rises and falls, still breathless from dancing.
The way her leotard hugs every fucking curve, sweat glistening on her skin.

The way she won't look me in the eye, like she already knows what's about to happen.

She's been avoiding me.

Running.

Pushing me away with every excuse she can think of.

But now?

Now, there's nowhere to go.

I take a slow step forward.

She tenses.

Good.

"Come on," I murmur, my voice low, rough. "I'll take you home."

She shakes her head, backing up slightly. "I'm not ready to leave yet."

I smirk. "Yeah? Or are you just afraid of being in a car with me?"

Her jaw tightens. "Don't be ridiculous."

"Then come here."

She hesitates.

And that's when I really know.

She's not afraid of being in the car with me.

She's afraid of what will happen before we even get there.

She crosses her arms, eyes narrowing. "I don't need you to babysit me, Joshuan."

I chuckle, shaking my head. "Oh, princesa. You still don't get it, do you?"

She swallows, and fuck, I see it.

I see the way her pulse jumps at her throat, the way her breathing changes, the way she wants to run but can't.

Because she knows.

She knows exactly what's happening between us.

And she's still fighting it.

I take another step forward, watching as she backs up until she's against the barre. She's trapped.

She gasps softly, realizing too late that she just played right into my hands.

"Careful, princesa," I murmur, placing a hand on either side of the barre, caging her in.

Her lashes flutter. "Joshuan—"

I tilt my head, my lips just barely brushing the shell of her ear. "Tell me to leave."

Her breath hitches.

I wait.

Give her the chance to stop me.

But she doesn't.

She just stares at me, lips parted, body frozen.

I smirk.

"That's what I thought."

She's staring at my mouth.

She probably doesn't even realize she's doing it.

But I do.