Page 21 of The Cousins and the Brunette

I steeled myself, meeting his gaze. “I’m exactly who you think I am. Elizabeth Shoemaker, daughter of the man who screwed you over. Isn’t that why I’m here?”

My heart was pounding so hard I was sure they could hear it. But I’d learned long ago that sometimes the best defense was a good offense. Keep them on their toes, keep them guessing.

Sebastian stepped forward, placing a calming hand on Joel’s shoulder. “Easy, cousin. She’s just trying to get under our skin.”

I forced a smirk, hoping it masked my growing panic. “Is it working?”

Joel scowled. “You call getting caught and locked up fun?”

I leaned forward, meeting his gaze. “Well, the company’s not half bad. Plus, I get three square meals a day and a roof over my head. It’s practically a five-star hotel.”

If only they knew how true that was. Compared to the dumpsters and abandoned buildings Kay and I had called home, this cell was practically the Ritz. But I couldn’t afford to get comfortable.

Braxton chuckled, earning a glare from Joel. Sebastian, however, remained thoughtful, his dark eyes studying me with an intensity that made my skin prickle.

“You’re not like the others we’ve dealt with,” Braxton said softly.

I arched an eyebrow. “Should I be flattered or offended?”

“Neither,” he replied. “Just...intrigued.”

I felt my pulse quicken, aware of the dangerous game I was playing. One wrong move, one slip of the tongue, and my cover—and possibly my life—would be forfeit. The trick was to keep them guessing, keep them off balance. Because the moment they thought they had me figured out was the moment I’d lose everything. And right now, I couldn’t tell whether I was about to pull off the greatest con of my life or plummet into the abyss.

“Well, as much as I’m enjoying this little interrogation session,” I said, forcing a yawn, “I think I’ll turn in for the night. You gentlemen wouldn’t happen to have a mint for my pillow, would you?”

Joel snorted, but I caught the hint of amusement in his expression. “Don’t push your luck, princess.”

I gasped in mock offense. “I had hoped we were developing such a lovely rapport. I’m hurt, Joel. Truly wounded.”

Braxton burst out laughing, clapping Joel on the shoulder. “Oh, man, she’s got you pegged, cousin.”

Sebastian’s gaze lingered on me, and I felt a flutter in my stomach. “Somehow,” he murmured, “I think she’s more than just our prisoner.”

“I ought to check in for a meeting,” Braxton said, his voice carrying a hint of responsibility beneath its usual levity. “See you soon, Elizabeth.”

Joel nodded, his gaze still locked with mine. “Yeah. Let’s leave Elizabeth to her peace and quiet.” The way he said my name—well, not my name—suggested he wasn’t fully convinced, but for now, he seemed content to play along.

Braxton winked at me before turning to follow Joel up the staircase. Once they had vanished from view, the basement felt colder, the silence heavier. Only Sebastian remained, his presence like a solace and a curse all at once. He approached my cell, his eyes searching.

“Are you okay, Elizabeth?” His voice was gentle, with a touch of concern that didn’t belong in this grim setting.

“Sure,” I lied, my shoulders slumping. I couldn’t let myself be swayed by kindness. But then, why did my body betray me, leaning into the bars, aching to close the space between us?

“Sebastian...” I looked into his deep brown eyes, so full of sincerity.

“Tell me the truth,” he urged.

The truth? That I craved the touch of a man who should be nothing more than my jailer? That the memory of the hot, sweaty, great sex we’d had only fueled the desire and despair within me?

“About what?” I whispered.

“Nothing,” he conceded faintly. His hand reached through the bars, fingers grazing my cheek as he tucked a wayward strand of hair behind my ear. His touch sent a flash of desire through me, waking every nerve ending with lust and longing.

His fingers moved down my cheek, coming to rest under my chin. He tilted my face up, and I found myself lost in his intense gaze. “But this...this feels real. Doesn’t it?”

It did. Alarmingly so.

Sebastian leaned in, and suddenly the world beyond the cell faded away. His lips met mine, and my knees nearly buckled beneath me. The kiss was a delicious contradiction – passionate yet tender, demanding yet giving. My hands found their way to his back, gripping the fabric of his shirt as if it were a lifeline.

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