A Favour Owned

"Stop. Looking. At. Me. That. Way," Islinda commanded, her tone firm as she fought to maintain a stern expression.

"What way?" Aldric countered, meeting her gaze with a daring challenge. "Tell me, Islinda, what way am I looking at you? I don't recall you stipulating any clause in your ground rules that I can't—" 

"Don't —!" Islinda interrupted, her glare sharp as she locked eyes with him. She could sense the overwhelming, primal desire emanating from him, crashing into her with relentless intensity. A deep ache pulsed within her core, sending a shiver down her spine, and she suspected her pheromones had reached him, judging by his sharp intake of breath.