Adrianna's irritation flared as Manuel stood transfixed, his gaze consuming her with an intensity that ignited something deep within. A soft laugh escaped him as his fingers traced her cheek, his possessive nature impossible to ignore. "I want you all to myself," he breathed, his voice heavy with desire. The way he looked at her—as if she were his entire world—made her heart race. Had her absence affected him this profoundly? His large hands moved deliberately across her body, a brief touch to her stomach before settling firmly on her bottom with a sharp slap. Adrianna gasped, pressing against his chest as his lips found her ear. "You are mine. You can never escape me," he whispered, his hand sliding upward to claim her breast. She was completely captivated by him, lost in the intensity of his touch and the undeniable possession in his words. There was no running from this—from him.