Page 77 of Indulge
I bite back the smirk threatening my mouth.
The battle isn’t lost, not completely.
She tugs at the hem of my brother’s T-shirt.
“Here.” My tone leaves no room for argument.
Her brow furrows for a second, fighting that inner brat I know too well.
Then, slowly, her feet move.
Step by step, until she’s right there in front of me.
Her scent hits first. It’s sweet, warm, and maddening.
Her eyes lock on mine.
And my heart starts to race like it’s trying to claw its way out of my chest.
There’s a flicker in her eyes. It’s not quite fear, nor defiance, but something in between.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” she whispers.
“Because I don’t know what to do with you,” I answer honestly. “You drive me insane, Bella.”
Her throat bobs as she swallows. “Good. You deserve it.”
That earns her a quiet laugh, the first one I’ve managed in days.
“Always with the fire.”
“You wouldn’t like me without it.”
She’s right. I wouldn’t.
The truth hits me like a blade. I don’t want her quiet, or compliant, or easy. I want her exactly like this: stubborn and alive.
I step closer, my hand brushing her jaw. She doesn’t flinch, doesn’t move away.
“I meant what I said before. About regretting how I handled things. I’m not used to…”
The words die in my throat.
“Feeling?” she finishes softly.
I nod once. “Something like that.”
Her lips curve. “Then maybe stop fighting it.”
Something in me gives.
I cup her chin, tilting her face up. “If we start over, I have some terms.”
She exhales, a challenge and surrender all at once. “And what are your terms, Irish?”
My hand slides to the back of her neck, firm enough that she knows who’s in control.
“Honesty. No games, and I don’t shut you out when I’m trying not to feel.”
