Page 53 of Under Pressure

“What are you not telling me?” she demanded, that analytical side of her catching on.

He shot her a look—a very perceptive look. “There are things you don’t understand.”

“Like what?”

“Things.”

“Are you going to tell me? Yes or no.”

“No.”

“What the fuck is this shit? Again?” Her eyes locked with his, and she had a sudden urge to scream at him.

Seemingly reading her, he crossed his arms, sending a similar message. She didn’t mistake the fiery flush up his neck. A silent détente followed, awkward and stony.

Timber, satisfied with her hydration, tilted her nose up to Kendra while she licked at her whiskers. She trotted lazily over to Kendra’s feet, sniffing. Kendra, stirring under Delta’s gaze, leaned over to pet the canine’s gorgeous fur. The dog was a big suck-up, and he and Kendra clicked right away. It was a welcomed distraction. Without ado, Timber let out a yawn and curled up into a ball on Kendra’s feet, immobilizing her.

Delta glowered, rubbing his scruffy chin in thought, studying her.

“What?” Kendra snapped.

He shook his head, his forehead furrowed. “She doesn’t like most people.”

Then Delta narrowed his eyes on her, grazing his teeth over his bottom lip, like he was ready to sink them into her… again. Trying to be civil, Kendra ran her hands behind her along the countertop for support, knowing it was up to her to do the heavy lifting. She took in a deep breath and made one last attempt to get the conversation back on track.

“I don’t want there to be any more secrets between us.” She threw it out there.

“Neither do I.”

“You’ve got things to tell me.”

“So do you.” He took a threatening step toward her, visibly intent. “Go ahead. Start talking.”

Grasping at nothing, she shivered as he stalked even closer, dropping his hands on either side of the counter behind her, trapping her against the cold granite. His body holding strong, his face just inches from hers, he remained unapologetic. He lowered his head, almost brushing her lips, taunting her into submission. Time seemed to move more slowly as she fought herself.

“No more games, Delta,” she held.

He grinned, uncaring, blowing a teasing line of air up her cheek, exciting and infuriating her. She pushed back against him, but he just pressed her down without effort, making her even angrier.

She cried out, “Christ in hell, please! Why don’t you just fucking tell me what your goddamn dark secret is?”

His body flexed, tense as all hell, but he stood silent. Glaring. All those things he’d said, all those moments they’d shared cheapened, springing tears to her eyes. For all that progress, they seemed to have circled right back.

“Why do you have so many cuts and bruises?” she demanded, losing it. “Why do you parade around in a black hood and a mask? Why does it look like you never sleep? What is going on with you?”

He sucked in his breath. “That is none of your concern.”

“You have no idea— That is absolutely my concern.” She pointed at his chest.

“And why is that?”

She opened her mouth, but no words came out.

He growled, “Kendra, I told you—”

Then the room caught on fucking fire. Stiffening her spine, Kendra just snapped, shoving harder at his chest.

“You told me—what exactly?” She hated it but she couldn’t stop. “You won’t tell me anything!”

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