Page 106 of Pretty Little Threats

My mouth drops open.

Dare holds my gaze, his hard and cold.

“Why?” I ask.

“Because I can’t stand the thought of another man meaning something to you.”

“What about Remy? I like Remy.” Even if he threatened me, the bodyguard has wormed his way into my heart.

Dare’s scowl deepens.

“As a friend,” I add quickly. “You can’t tell me I’m not allowed to have friends.”

“I’m not talking about that, and you know it.” His hand takes its place at the base of my throat. “If you so much as flirt with another man, I will be the last thing they see before they die.”

“That’s a little much, don’t you think?”

“No,” he says, voice sure and steady.

Something is wrong with me, because everything he just said is a giant red flag, but I’ve never felt more secure. I close the distance between us and kiss him, but that’s the only control he gives me. Dare’s tongue tames mine until I’m exactly what he wants me to be.

His.

thirty-two

ROSE

Dare dropsa brochure on the coffee table next to my sketch pad and coffee. His shirt, which I’m using as a nightgown, rides up my thighs when I lean forward to inspect the pamphlet. “Necker Island?”

“You. Me. Over the holiday.”

Thanksgiving is a week away, and already, I’m dreading knowing my dad would rather spend his time making business deals than with me. An island escape might be the perfect way to leave those worries behind. And going with Dare? It sounds amazing.

“The houses are probably booked already.” Necker Island is an expensive and highly sought-after destination. It’s not a spur-of-the-moment decision.

“I already had the reservation.” He grabs my hand and kisses the back of it. “Now I have company.”

Hope kindles in my chest. “Is this a joke?”

“No.” Dare sits beside me and pulls me into his lap,tucking locks of my hair behind my ear. “Come away with me.”

My heart trembles. Whether or not he realizes it, Dare has the power to break me, but the gentle way the beast watches me assures me I’m safe. “Okay.”

“Yeah?” His eyebrows rise.

“Uh, yeah. I’m not going to reject a tropical vacation.” Excitement zings through me. “When do we leave?”

“In two hours.”

Is he unhinged? That’s not enough time to get ready. “Oh my god. I need to get packed.” I try to get off his lap, but he keeps me in place.

“I already packed for you.”

I arch an eyebrow. “And what did you pack?”

“Bikinis. A dress. Shorts and a top.”

“How long is the trip?”

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