Page 26 of Twisted Devotion

“This is crazy,” I mutter, resisting the urge to fan my warming face with my napkin.

“Why? Think of it like this: either way, you win. If you somehow—by an incredible feat of restraint and celibacy—you resist me for the remainder of your time in my employment, you get double the amount of money you were expecting to make on this job. And if you cave and give into your desires, you get the best night of your life.”

I blink at him in disbelief, but the promise he’s serving me on a silver platter has heat gathering between my legs, threatening to betray me. “You are far too confident in your ability to seduce me,” I force out.

He lowers his gaze, looking at me with clear intent. “Or am I just confident enough?” When I don’t respond, he chuckles, tipping his head back. “So, what do you say?”

“I’ve already said it: you’re crazy.”

Jackson purses his lips. “That has yet to be scientifically proven. Yes or no, Red?”

My eyes narrow sharply. “I don’t play games, Jackson. Your life depends on how focused I am on my job. You understand that, right?”

“I understand perfectly. It’s just boring as hell.”

“Your survival?” I challenge.

He blows out a breath, pushing his fingers through his hair and letting it fall across his forehead. “Who wants to justsurvive? That’s so dull. We have eternity. Why not keep things interesting?”

I cross and then uncross my arms before sighing. “Fine.” I shove my hand toward him to shake on this ridiculous deal we’re making.

His grin is slow, predatory, and it gives me the urge to shift away, but I keep my feet planted where they are. I remain still even as he slides his hand into mine, sparking the electricity in my nerves and lighting my cheeks and neck on fire.

“I’m looking forward to this challenge of ours,” he murmurs, dipping his face closer.

My eyes dart to his mouth, mere inches from mine, before they snap back to his eyes.I could get lost there. Too easily. I blink hard. “I look forward to making bank on this.”

Jackson slides his fingers up to my wrist and presses them against my pulse. “Hmm,” he hums, “your heart rate seems to disagree.”

I snatch my arm back and move away from him. “It’s fine,” I mutter, making up a conveniently valid excuse to make rounds through the property and check with the perimeter guards. There are enough of them surrounding the premises to ensure Jackson is safe from his enemies, even without my added protection.

However, one question remains.

Am I safe from Jackson?

9

I’ve worked as Jackson’s protective detail for a few weeks, and he’s still alive, so I’m feeling pretty confident with my protective skills. And my restraint.

We’ve settled into somewhat of a routine, and I’ve come to terms with the fact that he is the biggest tease I’ve ever met. I do my best to keep my distance while staying close enough to ensure his safety when we’re outside the house. It’s a very delicate balance, and some days are more difficult than others.

Especially when, out of nowhere, I get the strong urge to throw him against a wall and kiss him until he can’t speak. Though that may be because I desperately want him to shut up more so than I want him—period.

I amnotgoing to lose this ridiculous bet we have.

There have been a few times where I thought Jackson would forget the bet and stop trying to take me to bed.

Sometimes, I think hewantsme to believe he’s given up trying to seduce me, in hopes it will lure me into surrendering and initiating something between us. No way. Once my mind’s made up, there is no alternative. I’m going to win this. All I have to do is resist his advances until my assignment is up.

“Daydreaming about getting underneath me again?” Jackson’s voice is close. Far too close to keep my pulse at a normal pace.

I whip around, and he’s right there. Our noses almost touch. “Back off,” I warn in a low voice, struggling to ignore the eucalyptus and mint invading my senses.

He smirks. “What? Worried you won’t be able to resist me up this close?”

My eyes narrow. “Because I, unlike you apparently, appreciate personal space.”God, why does he smell so good?It’s not fair.

“Yeah . . . there’s no fun in that.” He wets his lips. “Though, that’s not always true, is it?”

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