“Shamsher” she managed to whisper, barely able to find her voice. He didn't respond right away; instead, his arms tightened around her waist, holding her even closer, his warmth grounding her yet making her dizzy with a mix of emotions.

His scent, a potent mix of vanilla and sandalwood, filled her nostrils and sent her senses spiraling into a frenzy. she was trapped, her body pinned between the unyielding wood of the door and the even more unyielding wall of his muscular frame. Her heart hammered in her chest, a delicious mix of fear and excitement.