Stoking the Fire (Salus Security #1) - Teodora Kostova Page 0,49

has a volcano ready to erupt inside him. Alec isn’t a man who shows his emotions easily, but right now, as his eyes watch me hungrily, I can see the real Alec behind the mask he’s welded for himself.

I can see the man who held me all night when I woke up from an anxiety attack.

The man who cupped my face gently and kissed my nose when I got upset over a stupid post on social media.

Who won a charity boxing match only to end the night in a karaoke bar, singing Britney Spears songs with the goofiest smile on his face.

I miss him. I miss my Alec with a ferocity I didn’t think I was still capable of.

I lean in, cutting the distance between us. My brain screams at me that this is a bad, bad, idea, but my heart doesn’t listen. My heart, my stupid, traitorous heart, wants Alec to own it, like he used to.

I inhale Alec’s scent, my eyes fluttering closed. He smells like he always does—of Tom Ford Noir, sweet coconut shower gel, and pure, unfiltered Alec.

“Zach.” His voice is a low rumble that makes my dick ache. It’s already uncomfortably hard in my tight jeans as I imagine all the things we could do if we weren’t in a crowded loft in Williamsburg.

I open my eyes and realize Alec’s face is blurry. Blinking a few times, I try to disperse the fog clouding my vision, but I can’t. My whole body feels… off. Not bad exactly, more like floating.

“I’m going to use the bathroom,” I say when my stomach roils. My words are slurred as if my tongue’s too big for my mouth.

I get up shakily and make my way to the bathrooms at the other end of the loft. Several people jostle me, making me feel even more woozy. Did I have too much to drink? I don’t think so. My thoughts are a jumbled mess, but I remember only having two glasses of champagne.

I stagger into the bathroom, the door closing behind me with a swoosh. Blissful silence envelops me as I sag against the cold tiles.

What the fuck’s wrong with me?

Gingerly, I get up and stagger to the sink, splashing my face with cold water. My reflection in the mirror is still fuzzy around the edges, but it’s a little clearer than Alec’s face was a few moments ago.

The door opens and closes softly, and I turn too sharply to see who walks in. My head immediately protests the swift movement.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!” A young guy stands in front of me, his hand clasped around his mouth. “I didn’t realize anyone was in here. And the door was unlocked.” He points at the door behind him.

I nod, not knowing what to say. Even if I try to speak, I’m not sure the words will come. My head still feels like it’s stuffed with cotton, and my vision still swims a bit too much for my liking.

“Are you okay?” He steps closer, putting a hand on my shoulder. “You don’t look too good.” He has big blue eyes, rosy cheeks, and skin so soft it looks like he’s put a filter on himself. His face is vaguely familiar, but I can’t place him.

I giggle, imagining the guy pulling a photo filter over his whole body before leaving the house.

“I’m fine,” I manage through my giggle.

“Mhm,” he hums, his eyes assessing. “Sure.” He wraps a hand around my waist and pulls me away from the sink. “Let’s get you out of here, gorgeous. I think you’ve had a bit too much to drink.”

His smile’s dazzling, as if the sun itself is smiling down at me. I stare at him, my hand coming up to pet his cheek on its own accord.

“Are you real?” I say.

He chuckles. “Very much so. Come on, I need you to shuffle your feet as much as you can, and I’ll help you out of here.”

We barely move a step when the door bursts open again. Alec stands in the entrance, looking as big and menacing as he always does.

My body reacts to him as it always does; relief, lust and affection fight for dominance inside me until my knees give out and I slump against the guy.

“Baby, are you okay?” I hear Alec’s voice, but surely he must be addressing someone else. Is he dating the blond guy who’s trying to rescue me? Now, that’ll be a perfect match—a burly knight in shining armor and