Page 123 of Pretty Little Lies

A mirthless chuckle that’s so disgusted at the prospect of my even finishing forms from my chest. “Barely. I’m making up work now, but…it seems pretty pointless right now.” I hold his gaze and my stomach coils again. “Take the seat, Torin. You’d be much better at it and I’m not one to shoot out orders?—”

“If I claim it, that means several things, Wildfire. It means you and I might come to a crossroads where you may have to take it from me.”

“What? Why would I?—”

“If Levi ever moves against me, I won’t hold back. If he tries to pull the same bullshit that he has on Emilio and tries to throw a hit on my head every other week, I’ll kill him.”

This is all wrong.

The goal was for me to nab the seat, but just thinking of it makes me sick. It only provides more targets on my head, more reasons for someone to sneak into South Shore. It might not be for long; it could be the only way to protect my family, but there are too many players in this game and not enough me.

And, I’d never allow Levi to put a hit out on Torin, no matter their history. Yes, I couldn’t stop him when he decided to ship Reeve off but we’re not going to be separated forever. This could be the time to make peace. For Torin and Levi to work together to take down Emilio.

“You ever think of callin’ a meeting with Levi?” I ask. “To work together?—”

“He hates me as much as I hate him,” Torin exhorts, as if that’s just a normal day in the life. “There’s no way I’d be able to trust him.”

“But have you given him enough rope to hang himself with?” Because he has me and this could work.

It has to work.

You’re going off the plan with Levi.

Torin smiles. “No. But I don’t want to fuck him either.”

“Geezus Christ.” I shove him away, but Torin doesn’t release his grip on me.

“If there is one thing you can count on with me, Wildfire, is that I’m not a liar. I’m not going to muddle your brain with bullshit. Consider it my peace offering.”

“I think you gave me one with your secrets.”

“Not a total secret. Wallace knows about it. Let me give you something with De Leon’s death, and we’ll call us square.”

“And what do you want in return?”

“You.”

His admission fucks me up. Right then and there. He’s never faltered with that fact. Only that he wanted me to stay the hellout of his way and his brother. To not get too deep in with Emilio and, if you really look at it…it is to protect me.

And himself.

“I’ve shot you,” I return before his lips press a soft kiss to my cheek.

“You were flirting with me.” His tongue licks at my skin, and he repeats those kisses, making a trail to my temple. “You got my attention, Wildfire.”

“You sure you’re not related to Emilio, because you’re demented.”

He chuckles. “Yeah, well…try to charm you and see where it gets you.” With one last peck, he straightens his spine and rises over me. “I’m hungry. And you could eat.”

I lift a brow. “You tryin’ to play daddy now?”

His mouth curves into that cock smirk that plagues my brain with how much self-assurance and confidence he has. “Baby, my dick is already hard for you. Don’t tease me.”

“Don’t get too excited. I’m not fucking you in the car, asshole.”

“I know.” He knocks lightly on my chest with his. “Since we’re worried about parents sneaking up on us and getting caught, I was thinking about sliding through your bedroom window and fucking you in your bed.”

“You worming your way through bushes and windows, Pretty Boy?” I tsk. “I’d love to see that.”

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