C29 A Touch Too Close

“Don’t talk to her,” Cleopatra whispered.

Her voice was rough, breathless, a fragile plea that barely crossed the narrow space between them.

The air thickened.

Electric. Suspended. Time seemed to hold its breath.

His hand stretched out slowly, deliberate and seized her waist. His fingers tightened, pulling her against him in one smooth motion.

The world tilted.

And in his darkened gaze