Page 70 of The Love Destroyers

“I don’t know,” he says.

Not the answer I wanted, although at least it’s not some pretty lie designed to get me into bed.

I point toward his chest. “You have a scar there. Did someone stab you?”

“Yeah,” he says casually, leaving it that.

“Who?”

“Someone who didn’t like me very much.” His mouth curves upward. “I’m thinking about starting a collection of enemies. Would you like to get in on that?”

So he doesn’t want to tell me. I’m not surprised, but I’m unwilling to leave this landmine untouched. “When did it happen?”

“A while ago.”

“You must have been a hellion.”

He waggles his eyebrows at me. “Some would say I still am.”

“Nope. You got pooped on by a rabbit, and you’re about to spend the evening drinking Midori sours with a social media star. I’m sorry to inform you that you’re officially no longer a badass.”

He reaches out and catches my chin, holding it in the crook of his hand so my eyes are glued to his.

“You just watched me come as if it were must-see TV. I feel like a badass. I feel fucking invincible.”

“Stop it,” I snap.

“Stop what?” he says, his face too close to mine. Too tempting. Tooeverything.

“You know.”

And maybe he does, because he drops his hand and steps back, his gaze a bit wary now—like he’s realizing we’ve crossed lines it will be difficult to come back from.

“Do you intend to keep your promise to me, Emma?” he asks, lifting his eyebrows.

I should probably tell him no. I can throw his line back at him about making a promise under duress, but instead I find myself nodding. “But I decide where and when.”

Fire flashes in his eyes. “Fuck, yes, you do. You’re in control, Em.”

He swallows, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “You have the key to Ellie’s room, right? I know Jeffrey’s not there, but you might as well search it while we’re gone. Maybe she’ll have something useful.”

Funny. For a moment, I’d almost forgotten why we’re here.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

SEAMUS

I have a one-track mind.

Emma, reaching down between her legs, her lips parted, her eyes on me.

Emma, bared to me.

Emma.

I already know it’ll never be enough to just look…

I knew it that first night, two months ago, when she opened herself to me, only to slam the door in my face and leave me out in the cold.

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