Page 116 of Ruthless Intent

Zain pats the cushion between them.

“What’s the rush? Why don’t you make yourself a cup of tea, and come sit down? Your mom is telling me about some of the antiques she sells.”

The lazy drawl sets off butterflies in my stomach. And not the fun ones when you’re anticipating something nice. He’s building up to something. And my gut is telling me I won’t like the outcome.

“I thought we had to get back.”

“Might as well enjoy spending some quality time with your mom before I steal you away from her for a few days.”

“Oh, Zain!” My mom laughs … laughs, and reaches out a hand to pat his, where it’s still resting on the cushion. “My daughter rarely spends time with me. Not since she left town.” She frowns slightly. “Ashley, what about?—”

I know exactly what she’s about to say. “I broke up with Scott, Mom. Zain knows all about him.”

Her frown clears. “That’s a shame. He was nice.” She glances at Zain. “No offense meant.”

“None taken.” The smirk warns me he’s about to say something I won’t like. “But I don’t think nice is what Ashley is looking for in a man.”

“I always thought she’d grow bored of him. But she surprised me. The relationship lasted a lot longer than I thought it would.”

“Mom!” I can’t believe she’s saying that.

“I’m sorry, honey. I like Scott. But he’s not exactly …” She gives a shrug. “He’s very sweet, but there was no fire there.”

“You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Darling, you walked all over him. Whatever you wanted, he gave you. No argument. I’m surprised you didn’t get bored sooner.”

“I’m not having this conversation with you.” Especially in front of Zain.

“He proposed to her, you know.” He delivers the news in a lazy drawl.

My jaw drops.

How does he know that? Oh my god, has he spoken to Scott?

I’m in hell. I must be. What did I do to deserve this?

His eyes meet mine, and the gleam in them makes me believe he knows what I’m thinking.

You fucked up my life. That’s what you did to deserve this.

I can hear his voice inside my head, see the malicious intent in his smile. I can’t pull my gaze away from his. It’s like he’s caught me in a web and I can’t escape. His smile widens slightly.

This is another game. Another form of control.

“Is that true? When?” Mom’s voice gives me the excuse I need to look away.

“Yes, on Sunday.” There’s no point in lying to her.

“Is that why you came here? Are you running away?”

“No! I was already here when he told me that when I got home he was going to ask me to marry him.”

“Oh, Ashley.” Her sigh makes me feel like a kid again. One whose report card hasn’t matched the expectations she’d set. Her disappointment is evident. I’m just not sure what it’s aimed at.

“Can we leave now?”

I don’t look at Zain. I’m not sure I’ll be able to hide the hate I feel for him right now if I have to see his face. So much for feeling guilty and wanting to make amends. Now I just want to wipe that stupid smirk off his face.

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