Mike's hand didn't just linger on her shoulder; his fingers began to knead the muscle, his touch heavy and possessive. He leaned in, the heat from his muscular frame radiating against her back, and his lips brushed the shell of her ear.
The scent of him, something masculine, sharp, and intoxicating, swirled around her, making her head spin.
"You're lying, Haruka," he whispered, his voice dropping into a low, gravelly register that sent a violent shiver down her spine. "You aren't just sweating because it's warm in here..."
"And you aren't just 'worked up' because of the time."
Haruka swallowed hard, her heart hammering against her ribs like a trapped bird. "What are you talking about?"
"It's just... the stress of the week..."
"Is it?" Mike chuckled, a dark, knowing sound.
He moved closer, pressing his chest against her back so she could feel the firm lines of his physique. He leaned in even tighter, his breath hot against her skin.
