Page 43 of Relentless Sinner

I suppose wehavecalled a truce to some degree but really, we haven’t. This is where I have to be clever. If I want him to agree to let me off the property I have to play nice regardless of how I feel. “Since you’re here I’d prefer talking about me leaving the house. That would be a useful conversation.”

“Maybe for you, but not me.”

“I’m sure you can understand that I’m bored.”

“That’s too bad. We’ll talk when I get back.”

I roll my eyes at him. “You’re determined to make everything more difficult, aren’t you?”

“Not so much. I just think I need to build trust with you first.”

“That is absolutely ridiculous. It’s more like me who needs to trust you. I’ve never met anyone like you before.”

His smile widens. “And you never will.”

“No. I won’t.” I don’t hold back the bitterness in my tone.

“I’m glad you know that.” He gives me a tight-lipped smile. “There are a few things I need to go over with you before I head out.”

“Like what?”

“Stuff to make sure you don’t get any bright ideas about running while I’m away.”

Great.Itislike he knows what I’m thinking. “I’m not going to.”

“Better to be safe than sorry. On Monday Eve will accompany you into the city to the bridal shop. You’ll be traveling with an entourage of guards so don’t try anything. There will also be extra men at the house watching the property.”

“Expecting a war?” Because that sounds like overkill.

“No, I just like to make sure my people are safe when I’m not around. Having men who can deal with any situation helps me sleep better at night.”

“Well, I wouldn’t want your men to manhandle me and lock me away until you return.”

Jaxon steps forward and shoves his hands into his pockets. “No man who values his life would dare manhandleyouand expect to live long enough in my presence to explain himself to me.”

The possessive, protective tone in his voice stuns me and I wonder if he would reallykillsomeone for hurting me.

But didn’t he already do that?He killed the men at the compound who took me. Except now he’s talking about his own men.

“I have no plans to run, so you don’t have to kill anyone.”

“That’s good to hear.” He smirks.

I pull the towel around me tighter when it loosens and his gaze drifts down my body again.

I need to put some clothes on. He’s already seen way too much of me. I glance at the bed, at the night shirt I’d laid out to put on. I walk over and grab it, hoping that Jaxon will leave soon so I have privacy and peace to change.

“Saw you watching me in the pool this morning.” He gives me a slow, easy grin. “You should have joined me.”

I don’t know why he’s making small talk. I wish he wouldn’t. If we’re not talking about me being allowed to leave the house then I don’t want to talk to him. Talking about other things seems to open the door for unwanted feelings I don’t want to deal with. “You seemed quite happy with the company you had.”

Jaxon places his hand over his heart. “Don’t tell me you were jealous of my assistant.”

“I’m not. And I don’t care what she is to you.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

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