Page 22 of Forbidden Obsession

“Oh, so you’re not a pathological liar, just a compulsive one, huh?”

“I’m not a liar at all.” I bristled.

“Not a good one, that’s for sure.”

The realization I wasn’t as savvy at deception as I needed to be stung like a slap to the face.

“Please…if you’ll just take me to a bank and drop me off at a car rental place, you’ll never hear another lie from my lips.”

“Right,” he scoffed. “Tell me something, preferably the truth. Where are you going once you get a new set of wheels?”

“Shopping…for clothes,” I replied.

I purposely omitted anything about the hotel or hair salon. It would only invite more questions. The less Blade knew, the better.

A sardonic chuckle rumbled up from deep in his chest. “How aboutafteryou’re done replacing your wardrobe? Do you plan on staying in Richardson?”

“Yes.”

“Where are you gonna stay?”

“A hotel.”

“Why?”

“Because I heard Richardson was a nice town,” I replied obtusely.

“Like you heard about blizzards?”

He was deliberately goading me.

“I already told you; I’ve been in a blizzard before.”

“Oh, that’s right,” he drawled derisively. “You were in Vermont during a Nor’easter.”

“Yes. I’m surprised you remembered,” I haughty replied in the same condescending tone my mother loved to use.

“I’d like to say I’m surprised you didn’t…but I’m not the least bit shocked,” Blade countered with a snarky smile. “The hardest thing about lyin’ is keeping your story straight. The devil’s in the details, darlin’. You said the blizzard was in Maine…not Vermont.”

Bastard!

He was playing with me, like a cat with a mouse. My anger spiked, laying waste to every shred of guilt and shame. Fuming, I turned in my seat and glared at him.

“Maine? Vermont? What difference does it make? I’ve been in a fucking blizzard, all right?”

“My, my. Such language,” he tsk’d, unable to hold back a crooked smile.

“Bite me,” I growled. “On second thought, don’t. Just pull over so I can get out.”

“I already told you, I can’t do that.”

“Then stop mocking me and take me to the damn bank.”

Blade sent me a sidelong glance and arched a brow. “First, I don’t take orders from anyone. I give them. Second, you’re awful damn bossy for someone who needs my help.”

“Did I ask for it? No. Did I climb inside your truck willingly? No. You don’t like my attitude? Tough shit.You’rethe one who physically plucked me off the ground and tossed me in the seat.”

“Only to keep you safe,” he reminded. “Yanno, it wouldn’t kill you to be a tiny bit grateful.”

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