Page 45 of Ruthless Beast

“I’m sorry, but it’s the only way.”

“You should have let me leave on my own. I’d be far away from this place by now.”

“Or not.”

“Do you really think David’s killer is looking for me? And if so, why? I don’t know anything.”

“It’s not about what you know as much as it is about who you know.”

“Stop talking in code. What are you saying?”

“David’s murder was meant to ruffle my feathers.”

“Ruffle your feathers! A man is dead because of you. And that’s the way you see it?”

“No. I’m sorry. That’s not what I meant. Damn it, Emily. Why are you making it so hard for me to apologize to you?”

“Because it’s all just words, Lucas! David is dead. What am I supposed to do? What did you expect from me? Kind words of thanks for locking me up?”

“No! But a little gratitude would be nice. David was a grown man. He knew the risks. I didn’t force him into this business. He came willingly.”

“Oh, don’t you dare! Don’t you put this on him. I’m sure that if my brother knew the full extent of youroperations,he would have chosen to leave.”

I’m super pissed right now. My face is warm, and my ears are on fire. I must look like a cobra ready to strike. Lucas looks pretty agitated himself. This is an explosive situation, and the powder keg is close to blowing. I’m right on the edge of my sanity. One more push from Lucas, and I’m not sure I will manage to come back.

* * *

Lucas

How is it possible to be this angry yet so turned on at the same time? Emily’s eyes are on fire. Pompei has nothing on her as she stands near the window, her hands balled into fists, glowering at me. Righteous fury never wore a more perfect face.

I’d better get the hell out of this room before I say something I’m going to regret. I don’t want to hurt Emily, but if she carries on smartmouthing me, I may snap back. She’s hurt, and I get that, but I’m just a man, and my rev counter is officially in the red.

“Can we stop, please?” I suggest longing to bring this mess back to a discussion rather than a screaming match. “I didn’t bring you here to fight with you.”

“No. You brought me here to ease your guilty conscience.”

“No. I brought you here to keep you safe.”

“Like you kept my brother safe?”

“That was below the belt, Emily.”

“What’s the matter? Does the tough guy gangster have a heart?”

That’s it! Emily’s gone too far this time. I’ll show her who has a heart.

I march up to her and grab her by the wrists. Her eyes are challenging me—stubborn and defiant as ever—but I don’t care. This time I’m going to tell her exactly why she should be so lucky that I give a crap about her at all. I mean, I could have left her to go about her life and risk her own safety. She’s lucky that I give a damn!

“You are the most infuriating woman I’ve ever met in my life,” I growl at her as I lift her off the ground.

She unexpectedly kicks me in the shin, throwing me off balance for just a moment before I regain my balance.

“You can hit and kick as much as you like, Emily. You are going to remain here until I say otherwise, whether you like it or not. You got that?”

“Fu…” she starts to say, but I don’t allow her to finish her insult before I place my mouth over hers.

This time she bites my lips.

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