Page 52 of Dust to Dust

“Like I said, I have my moments. Now answer my questions.”

“Do you really want to know?”

I nodded. “Yeah, I do.”

She shrugged. “I think I’m settling in pretty well. Everyone has been really nice to help me.”

“That’s good to hear. I’d hate to have to take care of anyone who wasn’t treating you kindly.”

Her eyes popped wide. “You wouldn’t.”

I flashed her a shark-like smile. “Maybe.”

“Please, don’t.”

“As long as no one is being mean, I won’t.”

“It’s more about jealousy than anything.”

“Who?”

“A few girls who have been kinda bitchy about all the private dances I’m doing.”

At that moment, any anger I felt about her being mistreated evaporated. In its place came the green monster of jealousy. “You’re pretty popular with the clients, aren’t you?”

“So far. I think it’s just because I’m the new shiny thing.”

I knew it was far more than that. While some men like to sample the fresh faces, they would return to the ones they enjoyed. For Isla to continue to be popular, she possessed something to keep them coming back for more.

Staring at her in the dim light, I asked, “Tell me, Isla. Do you enjoy doing private dances?” When she slowly shook her head back and forth, I cocked my brows at her. “Why not?”

“I could say I don’t enjoy the leering looks or the feel of strange men beneath me.”

“But that’s not the reason?”

She shook her head. “They’re not you.”

My heartbeat broke into a wild gallop at her words. “Do you wish it was me in the private dances?”

“Yes.”

“I wish I was there with you, too.”

Her intense gaze dropped to my stare at my lips. “What do you want, Isla?” I questioned.

She jerked her eyes back to mine. “Nothing.”

“You’re a terrible liar.”

She grimaced. “I want you to kiss me.”

“I shouldn’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m a bad man who will only corrupt you.”

Leaning over me, Isla brought her face close to mine. “Just shut up and kiss me, Quinn,” she commanded.

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