Chapter 216

Maxine’s POV

I should have pulled away. I should have slapped his hand aside but I just couldn’t. I was stunned and confused by the way he was looking at me. It wasn’t the look of a predator stalking up to his prey.

It wasn't the cold and calculating look I had come to see every time with him. This was different. I was so enthralled and I couldn't tear my eyes away from him.

I looked into his black eyes and he kept his eyes on me. His hand stayed on my cheek, his thumb brushing over my skin. It was in slow and deliberate strokes. And by the goddess, it felt delicious. The touch was so intimate that it made my heart skip a beat.

I didn’t understand what was happening. Why was he acting this way? Why was I reacting this way as well? It was as if the Ronan I knew was gone, replaced by someone else entirely.

“Why are you doing this?” I whispered, unable to talk any louder. In this vulnerable moment, I was fragile. The space between us didn'