When Maya heard the knock on the door, it startled her. She’d just gotten up and flipped on the light. Who in the world could be at her house so early?

She pulled her robe on and went to the door to peek out. Through the peephole, she saw Matt standing there.

Matt? She turned and pressed her back to the door. She hadn’t been able to stop thinking about him. She’d wished many times that he would show up again at the coffee shop, but he hadn’t. She wished she’d gotten his number or that she’d given him hers.

The grin spread across her face. Whatever he was doing here, she was glad to see him. But what could he be here for? Unless he wanted to come get what he’d left behind. And that would be okay. She’d put his money in an envelope and tucked it in her bedside table drawer. Maybe she could get his number, though, if he was here now.

She sucked in a breath and turned to open the door. “Matt. Good to see you, even if it is a bit early.”

“Can I come inside for a minute?”

She noticed then that he had a bloody lip. A small trickle of blood ran from his nose, too. “Yes, come in. Are you okay?”

As he passed her into the living room, she looked him over more closely.

“Where are you hurt?” she asked.

“I took a few punches to the head and stomach. Nothing like last time. The other guys got it worse this time.” He smiled, but it faded quickly. “It was necessary. I only fight when I have to defend myself.”

“I thought you weren’t a fighter.”

“When it comes to defending someone so beautiful, I make an exception.”

She pulled her eyebrows together. “Defending? Me?”

“Can we sit down?”

“Let me get something to clean those cuts first. You sit. I’ll be right there.”

Maya hurried to the bathroom and took out the supplies she’d need. It didn’t look as bad this time, but he still had lacerations and would bruise and likely be in pain. She returned and handed him a few Tylenols with a glass of water.

“Start with this.” She dabbed at his cuts while he swallowed the pills. “Now tell me what’s going on.”

“Maya, you’ve been so helpful to me. I just want to protect you. I’m so sorry I got you into this.” He shook his head.

“Into what?”

“I’m involved in something bad. A bad group of people. I want to get out, but for many reasons, I can’t yet. And these people… they saw me leaving your place. And I just beat up two of the guys who beat me up because they were outside your house, looking around and taking photo. Casing the place to come back later and break in.”

Her stomach dropped. Of all the things he could have said, she never suspected that. “A group… Like a gang?”

“Sort of. But not what you’re thinking. I really can’t give you more details without putting you at harm.”

“So, these guys who were here… should I be worried? Call the cops? Something?”

“Don’t call the cops. Don’t worry. I took care of it.”

“No cops again. Involved in a dangerous group. This really sounds like a gang.”

He shook his head. “I wish it were. Believe me. A gang would be much easier to get out of.”

“Don’t they kill people who try to leave?”

“Yeah. Some of them.”

She sat at the edge of the couch, close to him. “This must be bad then.”

“It is.”

“What can I do? Do you need money or anything?”

He chuckled. “No. I tried to take care of it with money, but that didn’t work either. I just have some things I need to do and then it’ll all be okay.”

“But how did you see the guys? Did you follow them here?”

“Not exactly. I couldn’t sleep. I haven’t been sleeping in days. Maya, I haven’t felt right since I left here. And it’s starting to feel like the only time I did feel right was when I was here, with you. So, I drove over here… I’m not sure why, exactly. To feel close to you?”

She sucked in a breath. “Really? I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you. I keep hoping you’ll walk into the coffee shop again.”

There was his intense gaze again. But this time, he didn’t look away. He leaned in and so did she, until their mouths touched.

The kiss was soft and gentle at first, but quickly became rough and heated. His hands tangled in her hair, pulling her closer to him. It made her head rush with the sensation. She was hot all over and wanted him to touch her.

He slid his hands inside her robe, letting his fingers rub over her hard nipples. She let out a soft moan. Her insides were trembling with every touch.

He pulled her closer so she was straddling him. His hand went lower and dipped under her panties. She swallowed hard. His touch felt so good. But there was something she had to tell him. Now. Before things could get anymore… hot.

“Wait a second,” she breathed.

He pulled back to look at her. “Is something wrong?”

“No. It’s just that…” She hung her head, embarrassed that she had to say it out loud. “I’m a….”

He put his hand to her cheek. “What is it?”

“I’m a virgin.”