<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#408080"><div style="text-align: center">When Cole stepped up to her, Ashlyn took a step back involuntarily. Tipping her head, she held his gaze with stern determination. She knew what it was like to be alone day after day, still was alone day after day, but she didn't go around messing with fresh recruits. They had enough on their plates just getting established. Her lips thinned into a tight line as the man before her licked his lips, almost as if he was mentally preparing himself for something. Amber gray eyes widened as she felt the warm press of fingers against her neck before his mouth ascended upon her own. She didn't struggle, too shocked to even consider a struggle, especially with the pressure against her lips. Her body went rigid as electricity went through her system, a blush staining her cheeks. When he pulled back just so he could speak, she felt the sharp tang of anger warm her blood as she reached out and punched him in the stomach. He was too close for a proper slap, but a punch would have to do.<br/>
<br/>
"I'm not a toy to play with. Don't you ever, <i>ever</i> think that I would go back on my word. I'm not a liar and I meant it when I said I wouldn't breathe a word of this."<br/>
<br/>
She turned her eyes to Brad and her gaze softened in the slightest as she pushed some of her hair from her face, offering a sheepish smile. Unless Cole let go, she wouldn't be able to leave and just forget this whole thing ever happened. It would be better to let it all go, lest she gained a craving for things that were better left untouched.​</div></span>