Page 99 of Ruthless Intent

“That’s because you haven’t taken a second to stop and relax. You’ve been on the go constantly. Have you even slept a full night since coming home?”

Sleep? I don’t remember the last time I slept for more than thirty minutes without waking up to check my surroundings. You don’t sleep heavy in prison. There is too much risk of never waking up.

“You don’t need to worry about me.” I turn toward the car, and nod toward where Ashley is still seated. “Do you mind?”

“Of course not, honey. I can’t promise that everyone will be okay with her being here, though. I think Sondra is coming over later.”

I shrug. “Ashley can hold her own against Sondra.”

Considering the way she’s stood up to me, I don’t think she’ll have any issues putting my cousin in her place. My desire to get away from her recedes a little. The idea of watching her go up against Sondra is amusing. I hope I’m back in time to see it.

The stray thought makes me frown.

Why the hell would I want to see that?

Giving myself a mental shake, I walk back to the car, and open the door. “My mom will take you inside.”

“Aren’t you coming?”

“I have an appointment. I told you that.”

“You told me nothing about it.”

“That’s because it’s nothing to do with you.” I reach inside to unclip her seatbelt.

I take her hand in mine, and tug her out of the car. I’m about to let her go when I catch sight of my mom’s reflection in the window.

Instead of releasing her hand, I back her against the car. Her eyes widen when I rest my hands on either side of her hips so I can lean forward.

“What are you doing?”

“My mom is watching. You should at least pretend you’re going to miss me while I’m gone.” My voice is low.

“How are you going to stop me from telling her the truth about you blackmailing me?”

I lift a hand, hesitate, then stroke my fingers over her jaw. Pressing my fingertips beneath her chin, I tip her head back.

“I don’t think you’d be that stupid,” I whisper and lower my head.

My lips brush over hers. It’s not a real kiss. And yet the sensation of just my lips resting against hers holds an intensity I’m not expecting.

How long has it been since I’ve kissed a woman? Been this close to a woman?

Wanted a woman?

Her arms move, loop around my neck, and the fingers of one hand stroke through the hair at the back of my head. When her tongue flicks out to lick against my lips. I jerk back, but the fingers in my hair curl, nails scraping against my scalp, and stop me from moving away.

Her eyes are open, staring into mine, gleaming with what looks like annoyance, and I can almost hear her goading me, taunting me, without saying a single word.

My eyes narrow, and the hand resting against her jaw slips down to her throat. My fingers flex, and the soft hitch of her breath makes me smile against her lips.

I want to kiss her properly. I want to hear her moans.

I want her to get out of my head, and go back to being the bitch who ruined my life. I’m not going to forget that.

“Don’t play games with me, Ashley,” I whisper against her lips. “You’re never going to win.”

In response, she bites me, sinking her teeth into my bottom lip in a quick move that leaves a sharp sting in its wake. When she draws her head back, she smirks at me. I reach back to untangle her hands from around me, and step away.

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