Page 139 of Theirs to Corrupt

Resolved, I exhale.

One thing feels settled, even if the rest of my life is still upside down.

The alarm on my phone rings, and I realize I’m running late.

After grabbing my purse, I slip on a pair of sandals.

As I walk down the staircase, I hear the deep rumble of male voices.

Crap. Is Link home early?

If he is, I can hope he’s in his office so I can get out the door without him seeing me.

The tension between us is thick and uncomfortable, and I’ve barely been able to sleep. Even though I hate the tension between us, I won’t back down.

As I near the kitchen, my heart sinks. Both men are there.

The worst possible scenario.

“Going someplace, little dove?” Link’s voice carries across the room.

God, I wish he wouldn’t call me that. It’s a reminder of what we had, and the wedge that has driven us apart. Now that I’m this close, I recognize the truth. Staying away from him is slowly killing me inside.

Link is standing near the door, blocking the exit. His gaze roams over me, and I feel exposed, vulnerable.

“I made reservations for the three of us for dinner at Maestro’s,” he says, his tone casual, but I hear the strain of tension in his voice.

“Is that your idea of an invitation?”

He winces.

“I hope you and Pax enjoy yourselves. I have other plans.”

“You have?—”

“Other plans.” I try to get past him, but he captures my shoulders. His touch sends a white-hot jolt of awareness through me.

“Stay,” he murmurs, his voice low and persuasive.

Gently he moves his fingers in a soothing, sensual way that would have been my undoing at one time.

Despite myself, my insides start to melt. I long to collapse against him, surrender, forget any of this has happened.

But at what cost?

With effort, I bring up my arms between us. Then I widen them to dislodge his grip. “I’m going to be late.”

“Mira and Torin are going with you?” Link’s eyes narrow.

“Arielle,” Pax answers for me. “Mira and Torin have the day off.”

“The fuck?” Link demands, his jaw clenching.

Since I don’t have the energy to deal with Link, I leave Pax to answer the question.

“I don’t like this,” Link insists.

“And I don’t like the fact my husband is trying to move my money around without my permission.” I bring up my chin. “The fund manager is doing a fine job. The cash stays there.”

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