Page 41 of Relinquish

“If you go there, you’ll stir up a hornet’s nest, and you could get hurt.”

“Excuse me?” I lurch off the sofa. “Let’s take a second to set some ground rules. Last night, we discussed you trying to control my decisions. That isn’t going to work. And a few minutes ago, you agreed to only dictate in the bedroom.”

“It’s different now.”

“How is that different?” My teeth feel like they’re going to snap in half.

“You’re my girlfriend.” He says it with such conviction I almost fall for it.

“That doesn’t change anything.”

“Yes, it does. You can’t risk your life. You’ve not been trained to handle the type of dangerous situation you could find yourself in. You might be more equipped than I first imagined you were, but you don’t comprehend how dangerous someone can be if they’re backed into a corner. You’re going to get killed.”

“I’m not going to put myself into a dangerous situation, but I am going to the charity event and figuring out who’s responsible for these burglaries.” My hands ball into fists. “Mr. Truman gave me the green light to go, so I’m going. And even if he didn’t, we’re talking about my mother’s charity event. At this point, I’d go no matter what.” I want to smack him over the head with my purse. Marie’s purse–the one with the kitchen sink in it that left my head with a lump on it. He’s the biggest pain in the ass I’ve ever met.

He paces the floor. “Truman’s never had a mission backfire. I know firsthand what happens when you think you’re in control. When you think you know what’s best, but you go in half-cocked.”

My breath catches at the expression on his face. “What happened?”

“I made a mistake, and I won’t let you make the same one.”

“I’m not you.”

“You’re right. You aren’t. And that’s what scares me. I was trained for those types of situations, and I made one miscalculation. It almost cost people their lives. You aren’t professionally trained, and you’re talking about breaking into someone’s house. That’s a stupid idea.”

“I’ve simulated breaking into people’s houses hundreds of times. I wouldn’t get caught.” But he’s right. It wasn’t a well-thought-out idea, and the notion of breaking into a stranger’s house scares the shit out of me. That was more brainstorming than anything else. Not to mention, Mr. Truman put a stop to that idea. Thank God.

“You’re not still considering that idea, are you?” He grabs my shoulders, and daggers of rage shoot out of his eyes.

I cringe. Why did I have sex with a guy who’s even more dictating than my family? I jerk backward and slap my hands on my hips. “I’m going to the charity event, and I’ll figure out how to handle the situation. I think it’s best if you leave. I need to finish packing.” I hold my head high. “And this you and me thing.” I point between the two of us. “It’s not going to work.”

His nostrils flare, and he rolls his head. The popping sound snaps through the room. “Fine. You’re right. Attraction is not enough. Dating between us would never work. I want a woman who listens to reason. But if you’re still going through with this stupid ass plan, I’m going with you.”

Attraction is not enough? Kiss my ass.

Dating between us wouldn’t have worked? Screw you.

At this point, I’m too irrational to acknowledge it was my idea to break up. Were we even a thing? What does it matter? He didn’t blink an eye. He agreed, and we’re done.

Fury rolls through me. “Just because we had sex doesn’t mean you get to follow me around everywhere. Randall would get suspicious if he saw you. How could I prove to him I don’t have anyone to help me with my finances if you’re there stuck up my ass? It’s going to be hard enough to convince him my father doesn’t care.” I shake my head. His need to control things is going to fuck everything up. “And you’re right. We aren’t compatible. I want a man who respects me.” I cross my arms over my chest. “And trusts me to make good decisions.”

“If you ever decide to start making good decisions, I’ll respect them.” He grabs the door handle. “I’ll be there as your security. You can tell Maitland you’ve had a recent break-in and received a threat regarding your pending trust fund, so you’ve hired a bodyguard to protect you. That gives you more of a reason to invest your money and quickly before something happens to it.”

“How am I paying for this security guard?”

“Sex?”

“Fuck you.”

He smirks. “You already did. I’ll consider it a payment.” He presses his lips together and shrugs. “Tell him the security company is doing the job on retainer. When you get your money, you’re paying twice their regular charges. I’ll call a friend of mine out east and set up a fake police report if he happens to call and verify your claim.” He turns the knob.

“Fine. That might work on Randall’s end, but this is my family we’re dealing with here. What do I tell them?”

“Don’t worry. I won’t ask for a shared bedroom.” He twists the lock. “I’m hired to protect you and nothing else. You can explain me to your family the same way. I’m the hired help.”

I glare at him. “Since you seem to have it all figured out, you can come but find your own way there. I’m sure you can get the address without any problems. Your invitation will be at the door.” He’d show up anyway. I might as well be in on the plan. I twirl on my heel and step toward the bedroom.

“Once I leave, be sure to come back here and make sure the lock is secure.” His voice is deep and makes those damn butterflies swirl. A shiver runs up my spine. Asshole.

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