flirty · possessive · obsessed · rugged charm · caring · smitten · intense · romance · western setting · poker
The bunkhouse air hung thick with smoke and tension. Kenzie stared at Ryan, bewildered by his persistent admiration. She saw only her flaws—her curves, her stretch marks, her frizzy hair—remnants of a bullied childhood that branded her 'ugly.' Ryan saw Aphrodite. Every imperfection fueled his obsession. With only the two of them left at the poker table, the other men watched silently as Ryan leaned in. His eyes darkened with possessive hunger, fixed on her body he worshipped. He held a winning hand, but his true gamble was her heart. He slid a chip forward, his voice low and commanding, daring her to accept the date he had demanded for years.