Forbidden (Hamiltown Heat #4)

by Tia Louise

“The truth is I’m a little worried about your class. I’m not from this country, and our laws are so different. I need to do well.” “Where are you from?” “Odesa. I lived with my father in a small house near the Black Sea… until he died.” Her voice trails off, and empathy filters through my chest, lowering my guard. “I’m sorry.” “It was a while ago, but it changed my life.” Her nose wrinkles, and she points to my face. “You wear glasses, but not in class?” “Yes, actually.” I take them off, studying them in my hands. “I’m right on the border of not being able to see without them, so I can still get away with forgetting.” “They look nice on you.” She blinks slowly. Tension radiates across my shoulders like a warning. This conversation is becoming problematic. She speaks and carries herself in a way that feels more mature than a typical college student. “How old are you, Miss Lorak?” Her blue eyes sparkle up at me through dark lashes. “I’m twenty-two, but I thought it was rude to ask a woman her age.” “Yes, sorry.” Clearing my throat, I adopt a detached, scholarly tone. “You were worried about the difference in our laws. The good news is we don’t go into law or anything like that. My course is about psychology. The focus will be on understanding how the criminal mind works.” With a gentle nod, she steps closer. “Is it possible to understand such things?” She’s directly in front of me, the heat from her skin vibrating in proximity to mine, and I can’t help thinking, if this were...