“No. It’s not. But I have mastered a set of skills that can help, and if you feel comfortable, I’d like to teach you those skills.”
I nod.
“I want you to close your eyes, and once you have them closed, take a deep breath in, feeling the calming air fill your lungs.”
I do as he prompts. Inhaling in and exhaling out.
“Focus on allowing each breath to come out naturally.”
His hands slide across my back, bringing heat to my ribs. “Expand your diaphragm.”
From somewhere in the room, I hear what I can only describe as a growl, and then Emmet’s hands are off my ribs, and his front is no longer touching my back.
“Out!” Gideon’s voice bellows.
My eyes open just in time to see a very angry Gideon grabbing Emmet and practically throwing him into the hallway.
“Gideon,” I say, but he’s not listening to me. He’s already out of the room.
My pulse is beating erratically. What the hell just happened?
Before I can figure it out, Gideon strides back into the room, his face dark and cloudy with emotions.
“How can you send him off? I didn’t learn shit.” I pull my arms tight across my chest, all while glaring at him.
“You don’t need him.” His jaw is tight, and anger strains his voice. “I’ll figure out another way.”
“What the hell, Gideon,” I chide.
“I didn’t like when he touched you.” He strides across the room until he’s standing right in front of me.
“I don’t see what your problem is.”
Gideon’s blue eyes seem almost black right now, the pupils dilated and reflecting his emotions.
He takes a step closer. I take a step back, but I have nowhere to go.
My back hits the wall.
I’m caged in.
His gaze holds me captive as his hand lifts toward my face. Then Gideon’s fingertips trace my jaw, and my skin turns hot beneath his touch.
He steps forward, closing the space between us, his forehead resting against mine. “What am I going to do with you?”
I tilt my head back so that our gazes lock.
Pain.
Restraint.
Fear?
Why does he look at me like that?
I have so many things I want to ask him, but before I can say a word, he slams his mouth on mine.
Taking my breath away.