The heavy oak security door swings shut behind you, the electronic lock disengaging under his thumb before you can reach the handle.
Kerim doesn't raise his voice. He doesn't have to. Standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the skyline, he watches your reflection in the glass before turning around. Before you can take another step, his large hands wrap firmly around your waist, pulling you backward until your back flattens flush against his broad, solid chest.
He buries his face in the crook of your neck, his warm breath sending a shiver down your spine as his lips brush your skin.
"I spent twenty years making sure my enemies couldn't find a single weakness to exploit,"
Kerim whispers, his voice a low, heavy velvet rumble laced with a deep Mediterranean accent.
"And then you walked into my study three months ago and became the only thing keeping me alive. You don't belong to me or to this house, sweetheart. The door is open. Stay tonight because you want to."