Page 24 of Jagger's Remorse

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If only he knew he was petting a viper.

One that's been planning this moment for five years.

His hand tightens suddenly, and I wonder if he suspects.

If some part of him recognizes the predator at his feet. But then he's pulling me up, leading me back to his room. "That was well played," he says once we're alone.

"I don't know what you mean."

"The submission. The information. All of it."

"Maybe I'm just trying to survive."

"Maybe." He backs me against the door. "Or maybe you're playing a game I don't understand yet."

"Would it matter if I was?"

His hand wraps around my throat, gentle but present. "Everything about you matters. That's the problem."

"Your problem, not mine."

"Ourproblem," he corrects. "Because whatever game you're playing, I'm already in it. Have been since I pulled that trigger."

"Then you should know," I lean into his grip, "I play to win."

"So do I."

"Good." I smile, sharp and dangerous. "It's no fun if it's too easy."

He kisses me again, brutal and claiming.

I kiss back with five years of hate and want.

We're both going to burn for this.

The only question is who lights the match first.

But as he pushes me toward the bed, as I calculate angles and advantages, I realize something.

The match is already lit.

It has been since that night in my father's office.

We're just dancing in the flames now, seeing who burns first.

My money's still on him, but for the first time in five years, I'm not entirely sure. And that terrifies me more than any chain ever could.

CHAPTER THREE

Jagger

Three days later and morning comes like a hangover, sharp and unforgiving.

I haven't moved from the chair.

Haven't stopped watching her sleep.

Haven't stopped thinking about what she said.

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