Page 129 of Obsession

He frowns. “It’s not like you didn’t know.“

“I didn’t!” I scowl at him. “Not really.”

“So you pretended not to know?”

“I’m the manager of the Blue Whiskey. Whatever else it is you do is none of my concern.”

“You’re the manager because I needed to replace the old one,” he reminds me.

“Did you kill Steve?” I practically whisper, praying that Hunter gives me the right answer.

“Would it bother you if I did?” he asks, his expression suddenly going blank.

I consider the question carefully before I answer it.

“I was exposed to violence at a very young age. Nobody ever protected me. Not until you. You may be a monster to the world, but not to me, and right now, that’s all that matters.”

I stand up, move past him, and clean the broken vase.

“Megan, I’m not a villain. These are not good people I deal with in my business.”

“I never said you were.”

“I have my own code, and I’ve never once hurt a woman or a child,” he explains.

I toss some of the broken shards into a nearby wastebasket.

“I’m glad.” I look up to meet his steady gaze. “Seriously, I’m happy to know that.”

“But all this honesty between us also means that if you ever decide to leave me, you won’t be able to,” he explains, leaning against the edge of the desk, facing me. “I can’t unsay what I’ve said in this room tonight. There are a select few people who know what I really do. I maintain my image as a business owner to protect my real identity as a professional fixer.”

“Yes, of course,” I say, dryly. “I figured you had a dual thing going on, but I just thought I‘d pretend not to know. Helps with staying alive, you know.”

“Megan.” Hunter strides across the room. His hand reaches out to caress my cheek. His voice is deceptively soft. “This is what I was trying to say earlier, albeit badly. I’m not some crazy control freak. What I meant to say is that if you decide to leave me, you will still have to work for me—in whatever capacity because it’s the only way I can keep you safe. I hope you understand that.”

I let out a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “If you think that saying this to me makes me feel comfortable about dating you, it’s not. Threats in the bedroom can be both creative and enjoyable. Outside, I have an issue with them.”

“These aren’t threats.”

“Humph. Last time I checked, I’m the one who saved you from a certain death by gunfire.” I pat my stitches as a reminder. “So, maybe you’re the one who needs to be careful about walking away from me. It seems to me that I’m the one who keeps you safe.”

He leans forward, brushing his lips over mine. “I can’t decide whether your reckless side stems from bravery or stupidity.”

“It’s a healthy mixture of both,” I inform him, kissing him back.

Then, I reach out and pat his cheek, smirking, “Now, since you’ve forced me to break my vase of pretty flowers, you have to get someone to finish cleaning it up.”

He backs me into one of my office walls.

“In a minute.”

Hunter slides his hands back under my skirt.

“Sex again?” I ask facetiously as I slam my head against the wall in excited anticipation.

“Sex with you whenever, however, and always.”

Chapter 47

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