Page 153 of Theirs to Corrupt

He scrubs his hand over his face. “You don’t have to leave.”

There’s no way I can continue to sleep under the same roof as Pax and Link.

“Even if you can’t be with me—with us—you have a home here.”

But I don’t. Not really. I have a place to sleep while wondering what they’re doing. And I spend a lot of my time holed up, trying to avoid them.

“You can have the guest house.”

“The…” I’m shaking, and I don’t know how to respond.

“I know you’ve been talking to Celeste. She had to have asked about a prenup. Since we don’t have one, that means that whatever you want, financially, I will pay.”

Wrapping my arms around me to ward off a chill, I shake my head. “You don’t know anything about me.” This—my attraction to him, the fact I care so deeply—has nothing to do with money. In fact, that may make things even more difficult. “I don’t want anything of yours.”

“You deserve it. I know I turned your life upside down.”

Without giving me a choice.

“Every court in the land would agree with that.”

“Link.” Frustrated as always when it comes to him, I suck in a breath. “You’re not listening.”

“Then fucking talk to me. Say something. Anything.” His voice cracks, and I steel myself against the way I’m melting inside.

“I don’t want to be manipulated.” Even though tears are stinging my eyes, I continue. “I don’t want anyone telling me what to do.”

“You have the trust fund.”

I wave that off. “I won’t be able to claim that for years. But there are provisions for my education and some living expenses.” Which he no doubt knows because of spousal privilege. “I’m thinking about getting a part-time job, maybe back at the Rusty?—”

“Over my dead body.”

“Shut the fuck up.”

Stunned by the forceful interruption, I turn toward Pax. I had no idea he was there.

“Stay out of this,” Link bites out.

“The hell I will.” His stance is wide, his eyes blazing with barely restrained threat. Tension cords his muscles, makingthem bulge. “Shut the fuck up before I shut you up. Tessa is making her own decisions.”

“Goddamn it.”

I turn and run up the first few steps, but then Link’s voice freezes me where I am.

“Tessa, please.”

There’s anguish in his tone,

“Please hear me out.”

Despite myself, I remain in place.

“I am a flawed, fucked-up human being.”

Fighting to remain steady on my feet, I carve my fingers around the banister in a death grip.

“The truth is…”

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