Page 182 of Bride By Initiation

Frustration swells within me. I snap, "Then tell me what you did to getthese coins. If you're so convinced no one planted that lipstick in my pants, then tell me what you did to earn that bag full of gold."

"Don't you dare?—"

"Tell me," I interrupt.

She brushes past me. "I need to go to work."

"I have a right to know what they made you do," I demand.

She spins toward me and jabs her finger in my chest, asserting, "You have no right to question me on anything."

"Oh really? But you have a right to question me."

"I'm not doing this, Sean." She exits the bedroom.

I'm right on her heels. "You don't get to just walk away."

"I'm going to work. I have a briefing this morning. It's more important than discussing whatever ridiculous accusation this is," she declares.

I scoff. "Really?"

"Yeah. Grow up, Sean."

"No, you grow up!"

She grabs her purse off the front table and opens the door to the foyer.

I follow her.

She hits the elevator button, and the door opens right away. She steps inside.

I put my hand on the door and demand, "Zara, when you get home, you're spilling whatever it is you did for them."

She scoffs. "There's nothing to discuss. I've never seen that bag before today."

I scowl deeper.

She pushes the button and smirks. "Let's make a deal. You tell me where the lipstick came from, and I'll tell you where the coins came from. Oh wait, that's never happening, is it?"

"So you did do something."

"No, I didn't, you asshole. Now, take your hand off the door. I can't be late for work!"

My veins burn with rage.

In a low voice, she warns, "Remove your hand, now."

I slowly obey, then point at her, and declare, "I want answers tonight."

She huffs. "You and me both."

The elevator door shuts.

I groan and pound the elevator door.

Why doesn't she believe me?

My history doesn't exactly make me look innocent.