Page 13 of Bride By Initiation

I seethe, "Tell me who John Smith is, Zara."

"I've told you everything I know."

"Stop lying to me," I growl.

She glares at me and then jabs my chest, retorting, "Stop accusing me of things. I'm telling you the truth."

"But you're not telling me everything, are you?"

She shuts her mouth and then turns toward the window.

I study her for several breaths, then soften my tone, asking, "What are you keeping from me?"

She spins back to face me. "I've told you all that I can tell you. But what did John tell you? Why don't you share that information with me?"

"Nothing," I reply.

She tilts her head, glaring at me. "So I'm supposed to believe you when you claim he told you nothing, but you don't believe me that I don't know anything about the skull or more information about John?"

I cross my arms and sit back. "Yeah. You're the one who was being all secretive. There's more going on between you and John. So whatever it is, spill it. That man is not someone you should be associating with."

She scoffs. "How do you know? What did he do for you to make such a statement?"

"All I had to do was look at him from across the pub," I blurt out.

She smirks. "So this is a jealousy thing?"

"Don't go there with me, Zara. Not about him!"

"But I should go there with you about other guys?"

"Stop twisting this situation," I scold.

"Look, Sean, I don't know anything." She points at the door. "Are you going to open that and let me out, or do I have to exit on my side?"

I stare at her for a moment.

"Fine. I guess I'll get out on this side," she declares, reaching for the door.

"Don't you dare!"

She freezes and then slowly refocuses on me with her pouty lips and challenging stare.

I reprimand, "You know better than to get out on that side of the car. It's not the safest option. Your father would be livid."

"Well, I'll inform my father you didn't leave me much of a choice when your driver or you rat me out," she snaps.

"I wouldn't rat you out."

"Wouldn't you?"

"Have I ever?"

Her blue flames singe hotter in my direction.

I release a long breath and open my door. I exit and then reach back inside for her, but she ignores me, getting out alone and brushing past me into her building.

I follow her.

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