Page 36 of Sweet Temptation

Pretty much said it all.

But I knew, on this, he was listening carefully to what everyone said in Brody’s office.

He pulled out a joint and lit up, offering it to me. I took a little puff, then passed it back.

“Whatever you’re gearing up to say,” I told him, “don’t.”

Of course, he didn’t listen.

“I agree with them,” he informed me. “You need security—”

“Ugh. Don’t start. I got enough from Elle already. She was all, ‘take all the love you’re offered today,’ and ‘do it for me.’”

“Fuck love. I’d take the big dudes with guns and a hard-on for playing bodyguard.”

I rolled my eyes.

“You need a bodyguard, Summer. Some asshole broke into your house.”

“He didn’t actually break in. Why is everyone exaggerating the facts?”

“He climbed onto the balcony outside your bedroom. If people seem to be exaggerating facts, it’s because they’re fucking appalled and they’re worried about you.”

“Who told you all that? Brody?”

“Summer. Forget about everyone else. I know you don’t like being strong-armed, especially by a bunch of dudes. And I know you’ve got your girls and your entourage, but you need someone who isn’t drinking or drugging watching your back.”

“Says the dude smoking a joint right now.”

He stared at me, undeterred. “I’d like to know that someone whose only concern is your safety, no ulterior motives and no distractions, is looking out for you. We all want that.”

I knew he was saying all this because he meant it. He cared.

They all cared.

I just really wasn’t used to this many people teaming up to tell me what to do. And I loathed other people making decisions for me.

“What if he’d gotten into the house?” Ash’s blue eyes held mine. And I hated seeing that concerned look on his face the most. “That can’t happen.”

He was right. I got that.

I looked away. I could feel the prick of tears in my eyes, totally unwelcome. I blinked them back quickly and said, “Do you think this Ronan guy carries a gun?”

“Don’t ask if you don’t want to know.”

“Of course I want to know.”

“Then ask him.”

I sighed again. “How are you the rational one now? This is un-fucking-precedented. What the hell is happening to my life?”

He smirked and took a drag off his joint. “You might as well give up, sweetheart. You know you’re outnumbered on this one.”

Chapter Six

Ronan

When I stepped out of Brody’s house, I found Summer in the driveway with Ashley Player. I approached them slowly, watching them talking.

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