Page 99 of The Last Good Man

I’m tempted to ask about his work, but it’s better to stick to one topic at a time.

“You saw her recently?”

“I haven’t seen her in two weeks.”

“What about seeing her from now on?”

He tilts his head to me, flashing a smile.

“What about it?” he tosses at me, his smile broadening as he wags his finger at me. “You won’t get this from me, baby. I know how to play this game.”

“You said you were a man of your word.”

“I am. ButI won’thandthis to you.You have to work for it a little.”

“Your commitment to me?”

“Precisely.”

“Hmm.”

I’m suddenly jealous. Very jealous. Things were fun when there wasn’t someonerealin the picture.

But there she is.

A real woman has had this beautiful man more than once. A married woman at that, and they have a history together.

Even if what he says istrue, and she hasn’t been more than a friend with benefits and maybe a way of satisfying his thirst for revenge, she had him.

I only had him next to me. I kissed him, and he made me come, and I thought I was smart for not going all the way with him.

Now I wish I did.

“What about my boyfriends? Does your rule still stand?”

“Sure. This is simple. Once I touch you, no one else will.”

“What about your woman––”

He gives me a warning look.

“Don’t go there.”

“It’s not fair,” I argue.

“Who said it was?”

“Okay. You know what?” I gesture. “I need to keep dating, and you very well know why,” I say.

He doesn’t flinch.

“Do it. See if it works,”heputs me on notice.

“You think it won’t,” I say.

He nods.

“You’ll make sure of that,” I murmur.

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