Page 40 of Dark Reasons

"I'm taking us to my place."

I recoil at this news. "For real?"

He shoots a side-look at me. "We'll swing by your apartment so you can grab whatever you need."

"But, my car," I argue feebly.

"In the morning I'll drive you to the bank. Is there a problem?"

"Ten thousand of them." I shake my purse. "Is that what this is about? You want me locked somewhere more secure, so I don't slip off to handle Caruso without paying my contract?"

"It crossed my mind."

"I said Iwouldn'tdo that."

"It's because you went out of your way to bring it up that I got suspicious."

"That's so stupid," I scoff. "Fine, I don't really care where I sleep."

"I do. I can't do another night on your floor."

Crossing my legs I wag my foot anxiously. "Your poor back. I thought you were 20-something, but you must be in your 70's."

"And the way you act, you could be 15." He shakes his head with a snort.

I stop wagging my foot. "How oldareyou?"

Jamison turns the steering wheel, putting us on the Freeway. He doesn't look at me, but there's a faint smile on his lips. "I'm twenty-five. Hardly old and broken, but if you think you're tougher, I'll let you sleep on my floor. You can report about your experience in the morning."

"I've slept on lots of floors. I can handle it. However," I draw the word out, "I don't want to make you look pathetic, so I'll accept your generous bed."

"You've changed your mind about sharing?" he asks softly.

My pulse goes wild; I give him a wary look, but he's as stoic as ever. "We shouldn't do that. Share a bed, I mean."

"Worried you'll do something you'll regret?" He doesn't let me reply. "Don't worry, I won't let you take advantage of me. Though... I hope you can controlyourselfthis time."

Squirming in my seat I stare out the window. The city rolls by, tinted by half of my own reflection. "What happened last night was a mistake. I won't repeat it."

"We'll see."

I whip around to gape at him. "Excuse me?"

His shrug is bored... matter of fact. The edge of his voice strokes me between my thighs. "You're prone to making a lot of bad decisions. Even when you know they're dangerous."

"Fuck you."

"Well," he chuckles thickly, "I think that's what you're trying to avoid."

My phone buzzes in my purse. I straighten up,feelinghis attention shift to this new event. Peeking in my purse, I read the screen.Shit.

"Answer it," he says calmly.

"No, now isn't a good time."

"Why?" Fuck, he's cold as ice.

Thumbing the phone I end the call. The perspiration sticks under my arms and on my belly, my clothing clinging uncomfortably. "It's none of your business."

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