Page 20 of Brutal Heir

“Surf porn.”

She rolls her eyes, a slight smile at her lips. “When you go out, what do you do for fun?”

“Haven’t gone anywhere in a while.”

She cocks her head. “You don’t leave the ranch?”

Now, there’s a complicated situation if I’ve ever had one.

“There’s nothing out there worth doing.” I shrug. “So I’ve gotno reason to leave.”

She turns thoughtful. There she goes, judging me again.

It’s best I change the subject before she goes into the weeds. “Maybe you were judgy. That’s what you said?”

“Yes.” She smiles.

“Everybody’s got to make a living. I’m sure that girl’s getting paid to wear a tail.”

“Not something I could ever do.” She glances away. “I’d end up starving if that’s how I had to make a living.”

Starving? That’s a fucked-up thing to say. For a second, the only sound is from the truck’s engine. But you don’t have to be an expert at reading people to know she’s been through some shit. Whatever happened, it’s made her feel like she’s not good enough, and she thinks she needs to prove herself.

“Put your phone up there.” I point to the holder Addler had me set up for when I drive him to the airstrip.

Her expression turns guarded. “Why?”

“Because I’m going to show you you’re wrong.”

Chapter 10

Sage

I’m stunned into silence. He’s going to show me? Show me how? I turn to face him, expecting to find out I misunderstood what he meant.

There’s something in his gaze, something intense and heated. Although it’s technically my day off, I’m still at work. I should be appalled; any woman would be justified in having that reaction. I should be calling him out for being unprofessional. I should be telling him what he’s insinuating is inappropriate.

I don’t do any of those things. Instead, I’m frozen, my mind racing. I hate him…right?

I’m still holding his gaze, and what I see there makes my heart skip a beat. He’s moved away from the driver’s side of the truck, sitting close to me, his tall frame making him seem bigger now. I can feel the heat of his body next to mine.

Just in the minutes we’ve been talking like normal people,I’ve seen a different side of him. If I’m being honest with myself, I have to admit I find him attractive. But I’m not sure what this means. I’m struggling to focus, my senses taken over by this sudden situation.

A part of me wants to let go, but it’s been a long time since I wanted a man. I’ve gone from nearly declining his call to contemplating letting him show me whatever he wants.

I nearly gasp out loud at the realization. I want this to happen. I want him. The sense of hesitation is mixed with excitement, making my face flush.

“I…” I swallow hard, my mouth dry. “I’m not sure what you—”

“Put your phone in the holder and find out.” He gestures to the small mount attached to the truck’s frame. He wants me to record us.

I hesitate for a moment, my mind racing with doubts and fears. His expression shows nothing. What if I’m wrong? Then again, what if I’m right and he’s expecting a lot more from me? Am I setting myself up to land in trouble?

But then, a small voice inside me speaks up.It’s my phone. This time, even the voice in my head is urging me to take a chance. I’ve been playing it safe for too long, and maybe it’s time to take a risk.

Put your phone on the holder and find out.

“Okay,” I say finally, my voice barely above a whisper. My pulse is echoing in my throat. I reach into my pocket and pull out my phone. My hands are trembling, and I’m conscious of my own breathing. I’m trying my best to keep my mind from balking at what I’m about to do. I reach out and set my phone in theholder.

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