Shameless Longing

"I never tried to impress you, Mr. Kensington. I really respect you—like someone I look up to," I blurted out.

"Elder?" Alistair's dark eyes narrowed. "Are you trying to use seniority as a shield against me?"

"I wouldn't dare, but that's just how it is," I replied, keeping my composure.

Alistair tapped his long fingers lightly on the table. "The more you try to push me away, the more I find myself