Page 69 of Brutal Collateral

“I had a routine. A workout routine. A training routine,” I argue.

“What were you training for?” He leans against a dresser on the opposite wall and crosses one ankle over the other. “Other than to kill me.”

“To stay in shape, smart-ass.”

“I’ll get you a gym membership. Your guard will go with you.”

I bite my lip. “Can I pick out the gym?”

“Of course.”

“You really won’t let me sleep in one of those other bedrooms?”

“No,” he growls and points. “That bed is absurdly big. It’s a California King. You’ll have plenty of room.”

I yawn. “I’m too tired tonight to strangle you anyway.”

“Good to know.” He peers down at me. “I have an offer for you.”

I gasp. “No lead-up, huh? What’s your offer?”

“One year.”

I blink up at him. “One year for what?”

“I’ll let you go after one year.”

My heart pounds against my ribs. “You’ll divorce me?”

“I’ll let you divorce me.”

Ares will kill him if it’s the other way around, I get it. Although, I’m not sure I’m too far ahead of Griffin when it comes to Ares’ good graces.

“Why?” I ask, curious.

“Because I don’t want a wife. Not like this. I agreed because it was the only way to take over House Keller.That’swhat I wanted.”

Not me. But he didn’t know me. Or rather, didn’t know I was the woman who gave him a great night.

“Six months,” I counter to him.

“Done.” He narrows his eyes at me. “Just can’t help yourself.”

“Just you wait.”

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