Page 84 of Brutal Collateral

“So, this has nothing to do with availability?”

“Ican get any dress in here for you. I’ll pay double and triple if needed. Hold my gun at a seamstress’s head to make you any dress. Therightdress.”

How romantic...

“Ihatethose.” I point.

“I don’t care.” He studies each dress and then hands me one. “Here. Put it on.”

“Why are you being like this?”

“People are dying. I’m trying to save lives. Irish lives. If you don’t care that Greek blood has been spilled, that’s on your conscience.”

“A dress doesn’t matter.”

“To me, it does.” He shoves the dress at me. “Put thison.”

Choose your battles, Ava...

“Fine.” I take it. “Please wait outside.”

“Oh, no.”

“You’re going to watch me try it on?”

“I’mhelpingyou try it on.” He takes it back and fusses with the buttons.

“There’s a hidden zipper.” I reach for it and our hands tangle.

His skin is not warm, it’s hot. He’s also shaking with rage.

“What happened today?” I ask.

“Nothing. Let’s get this settled.”

“Talk to me.” I grow concerned.

Blue eyes lift to me, and my spine withers. “There’s been an extra layer of approval for the UN land project.”

“Government approval?” The idea of anything government-related wedged into our lives has me grabbing my throat.

“Oh no.” Griffin takes my hand away. “That’s my neck, only I can squeeze it.”

I stagger back and pace to shake away the stress this man does to my libido. I scratch the itch to get back into the problem-solving fray. “I’ll go to DC and talk to people.”

Griffin barks a laugh. “Talk to people?”

“Slit some throats.” I shrug. “Whatever.”

Griffin backs me against the wall. “You’re serious?”

“I’ve killed plenty of people, Griffin.”

“I assume you mean in wars while working for the CIAbeforethat Morningside massacre.” His jaw jumps. “You can’tkillanyone on the budget committee.”

I lick my lips and slip off my robe. “Okay, boss.”

“Nice knickers.” Griffin snorts a laugh but doesn’t remark on my furry bikini line.

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