Page 163 of Money Reigns

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Confused. A little breathless.

Good.

“Broderick, you should go,” I say without looking at her. “I’ll have a contract drawn up and sent your way soon.”

He nods, but lingers.

“Thank you again, War,” he says, stepping toward the door. Then he pauses, smile smug. “Andfor thepay raise.Really generous.”

I smile.

Tightly.

“Of course.”

He leaves.

The door clicks shut.

Silence.

I turn to her.

My eyes drop to where her chest is rising just a little too fast.

She’s breathing harder now.

Nervous.

Mine.

“You don’t hug him like that again,” I say, voice low, dark, final.

Her lips part. “War—”

“No,” I cut her off. “No excuses.”

I back her toward the desk, step by slow step.

“You. Are. Mine. Say it.”

She looks up at me, rolls her eyes, tablet clutched against her chest like a shield.

I take it. Rip it from her hands. Toss it onto the desk.

“War!” she snaps, hands flying to her hips, eyes narrowing.

I step closer, looming. “Say it.”

Her chin tips up. Defiant. “Say what?”

I arch a brow. “That you’re mine. Or do you need a reminder?”

Her eyebrows lift. And then I see it—the flicker.

Not fear.

Curiosity.

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