Page 38 of Deceit

“Yeah,” I reply, forming my hands into fists at my side. “Then you fucked Blue right afterward. You’re a real piece of shit, so you’ll be sitting right next to me being a nothing.”

“I wasn’t the one who wanted to keep me a dirty little secret.” His hard chest presses harder against my back, my next breath halting in my lungs at his touch. “But I’ll tell you one thing…you were better.”

“Motherfuck—“ Bishop clasps the waistband of my jeans and whirls me around.

My long hair slaps me in the face before somewhat falling back into place around my cheeks.

I fully expect him to move or step back since he’s allegedly so disgusted by me all the time, but he remains right there where we are damn near almost chest to chest. To where I can feel his warm exhales over my face and every bit of nervousness take over my body.

“Last time I checked, Em, you were one of the smartest women I know—most of the time. What part of I don’t need you here, aren’t you understanding?”

“You want to change the subject now?” I solicit as I brace myself to go head-to-head with the most stubborn and arrogant man I’ve ever met in my life. “You piece of shit. Keep rubbing it in my face.”

“You had three years to bring it up, Em. I’m definitely not going to do it now with you. It’s done and over with. Drop it.”

I should drop it.

Leave it.

Tell him good luck and that he can go fuck himself. I brought his adorable ass dog back.

My job is done.

“Then take your own advice and stay out of my life.” The corners of his lips lift into a sinister smirk because he’s aware, just as I, that it can’t be that way.

Not until he fully lets me go.

And when I grow the balls to force him to.

“You done?” Bishop vouches, releasing me but not creating space between us again.

I fucking hate him.

I loathe how he can keep his cool while I’m about to burst.

I despise myself for even making this an ongoing conversation in my brain.

A mirthless chuckle rumbles deep within my chest, and I stay locked on his beautiful blue eyes. “Are you?”

He frowns but quickly rights it. “Have a safe trip home, Em.”

Before he can fully pivot, though, I throw in something that I know will get under his skin, possibly more than I do—unrequested help.

“Oh, just so you’re aware,” I vouch, watching him slowly turn to face me again. “Whatever shit you’re into, the boys will be assisting withallyour needs.”

Bishop glowers at me, taking a menacing step back into my safe bubble. “What the fuck did you do?”

“I didn’t do anything.” I lift my shoulder noncommittally. “But I wasn’t the only person you didn’t text back, soooo…good job putting yourself on everyone’s radar.”

“You almost got Marty’s sister killed because you didn’t do enough research on the problem. Why would I want your help?” His words sharply prod the ugly truth into my chest.

He’s right. I messed up.

I told Marty that we were good when he sent Stormi away before breaking down and marrying her. That the coast was completely clear while Eli Montgomery waited to make his move without the protection of Marty and all of us at B723.

Bishop leans in closer, letting my eyes study the dark beard along his chin and up the side of his face. His piercing blue eyes are dim now because of the room, but they’re beautifully haunted. It just creates more of a need to be here.

Blue is cold like he is.

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