"Look… who's back home." A voice said, startling Zaeryn. His heart hammered against his ribs.
But then he realized who that rich, teasing voice with that hint of playfulness that never failed to make his pulse quicken belonged to. It came from Aeris.
"Aeris. Stop playing. You nearly gave me a heart attack," he said, his voice coming out rougher than intended as he searched the dim room for where she was standing.
A soft laugh drifted from the corner, where she lounged like a cat in the plush velvet seat, one long leg draped elegantly over the armrest.
Even in the shadows, her silhouette was captivating, the gentle curve of her waist, the way her sweater had slipped slightly off one shoulder, revealing the graceful line of her collarbone.
"What a jumpy guy," she purred, tilting her head with that knowing smile that always made him feel like she could see straight through him. "You never change Zaeryn. Still so easily startled."
