Sasha's heartbeat quickened the moment she saw him, and she hated it.
Hated how he could affect her without even trying.
This time, there was no Kristine to distract her, no shared glances or whispered warnings.
It was just her, Ross, and a very real tension hanging between them like a live wire.
He turned and saw her approaching, his gaze flicking momentarily to her three silent shadows.
A slow smile curved on his lips as he pulled out her chair like a gentleman.
Once they were seated, Ross raised an eyebrow, his smile never fading.
"Three dogs," he said lightly. "Didn't realize you found me so dangerous, Sasha. And here I thought you were a big girl already."
Sasha gave a soft chuckle, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear.
"They're good men. Loyal. Efficient." She sipped from the glass of sparkling water already waiting for her.
"Think of them like air—always there, but never in the way. Unless, of course, you plan to misbehave."
