Emilie found herself panting, watching him from across the short distance he'd put between them. Even as she went to retrieve her book, she refused to break eye contact.

Composure lost, but Library property regained, she cradled the book to her chest, she backed away even more, only finally turning when a few yards were between them. She made her best effort not to run.

If there was anyone she refused to run from, Anastas was high on the list.