Page 25 of Sweet Conviction

"He's fine," I lie, forcing a smile I don't feel. "He's just worried about me."

Dalton arches a skeptical brow. "You sure about that? I could hear the two of you yelling from down the hall."

"I'm sure." It's a lie. I'm not at all sure. But the last thing I need is Dalton hating Triton as much as Triton apparently hates Dalton. "Triton has always looked out for me and the company. He's…protective."

Dalton grunts, clearly not buying my excuses.

"It's always been the two of us," I whisper. "His father is an alcoholic. Mine doesn't care about anything except money. My mother loves him desperately, but he barely has time for her. Hecertainly never had much for me growing up. But I always had Triton."

But I'm not sure I do anymore. He feels so damn far away, and I understand why. This is what we always dreamed about—me taking over the company, finally being able to do everything we wanted without my father stepping in to quash any plan he didn't like. When did that change?

Dalton pulls me into his arms, holding me close. I go willingly, burying my face in his throat, desperately trying to absorb his warmth. But not even the feel of his arms around me eases the painful knot in my stomach.

I knew Triton didn't like the idea of me marrying Dalton, but I didn't realize he was this angry about it. His reaction feels…off to me somehow. There's an undercurrent of something dark and bitter to his animosity that I don't like.

I feel like I'm missing something, and that worries me.

But I can't do anything about it now. Trying to talk to Triton when he's this angry and unreasonable won't get me anywhere. It never has. Until he's calmed down and is ready to see reason, all I can do is wait him out and hope he comes around.

Damn him, though. There's already so much in my life that's uncertain. As much as I love Dalton, as much as I don't regret saying yes, I'm scared. Scared that he'll regret it. Scared that he'll never find room in his heart for me. Scared that my heart overruled my head and I'm going to pay for it in the end.

I need Dalton like I need air. And every damn second I spend with him, I just need him more. If he changes his mind, I won't survive it.

I could use my cousin right now. He's my rock. He always has been.

But I guess I have to be my own rock now.

I sigh, pressing a kiss to Dalton's throat.

"Are you ready to eat, baby? You need your strength. I have plans for you today," he murmurs, his deep voice rumbling through me.

I tilt my head back to meet his piercing hazel gaze. "You do?"

"Mmhmm." A wicked smirk curves his lips, a glint in his gorgeous eyes. "They involve you not leaving this fucking room or that bed until I've fucked you in every position I can think up."

Oh God.Molten heat blasts through my veins, and my core clenches almost painfully. I can't contain the needy moan that rolls from my lips.

I stare up at him, lust pounding through me like a second heartbeat. I want him so much I ache with it.

I'm still deliciously sore from last night, but I don't care. It doesn't matter. I'll always want more of this man. More of his touch, his taste, his possession. Just…more.

"Hurry and feed me," I breathe, fisting my hands in his shirt. I lean up on my toes, pressing my tits to the hard wall of chest. "I need you inside me. Right now."

His eyes darken, a growl rumbling in his chest. "Careful, baby," he warns, palming my ass. "If you keep wiggling this hot little body against me, I won't be responsible for my actions."

"Maybe I don't want you to be responsible." I scrape my teeth over my bottom lip, watching his scorching gaze follow the movement. "Maybe I want you to let go and take what's yours."

"Fuck, Tempest."

His control snaps…and breakfast is ice cold before we get around to eating it.

Chapter Seven

Dalton

"Ineed a favor," Riley announces as soon as I answer the phone on my desk.

"Name it," I say, smiling as I lean back in my chair.

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