Page 46 of A Twisted Arrangement

Unlike her, they notice the rage rolling off me and shrink back.

If my girl notices, she doesn’t care, instead standing and walking right up to me, finger poking into my chest. “You’re not supposed to be here.”

I tilt my head, cupping her hand with mine and pushing her finger into me. “I’m exactly where I want to be.”

“You said you wouldn’t come.”

“No. I said I heard you when you told me not to. They are two different things.” Her ears are pink now, anger practically steaming off of her. I lean in closer and whisper, “You’re cute when you’re mad.”

A low growl-like sound forms in her throat. “You’re dead.”

She grabs my hand and drags me after her, heading straight for an elevator that opens just as we arrive like fate.

I raise my brows. “Are we going to a more private place so you can kill me?”

She doesn’t answer, instead staring at the number ascending to her floor. As soon as the doors open, she walks directly to her office, knowing I’ll follow her.

The second we’re alone, she whirls on me. “You will never come back here. If you do, I’ll have security throw you out.”

I laugh under my breath, a low, foreign sound. “Did you forget I own this company?”

“No, Mercer Equities bought it.” She leans back onto her desk, a slow smile crossing her lips, my first clue that I’m in trouble.

I take a step toward her, canting my head to the side. What is she up to? “And I own Mercer Equities.”

“Correction: you used to own it. I bought the controlling shares a few days ago. Technically, I think that means you work for me.” Her smile is brilliant now, curved at the corner, satisfaction written all over her face.

I’ve never been so hard in my life. “Oh, you’re sneaky.”

“Now, get out.” Her tone isn’t as firm as it was, like she’s not quite done having fun with me.

I step closer, forcing her to tip her head back to look at me. “Come home with me tonight.”

“That’s never going to happen.”

I reach up and grip her chin, tilting her so her mouth lines up with mine. “Don’t say things you don’t mean.”

Her eyes go wide, and she jumps back. “You’re crazy.”

“Never denied it.” I want to reach for her, pull her to me, and force her not to let go. There will be time for that later.

She’s so fucking stubborn.

I groan, making my way downstairs. Another night sleeping in my car.

A slow smile takes over my face. It’s the last time because tomorrow, my Little Sparrow turns twenty-five.

Chapter 23

Scarlet

On the wayhome from work, I rest my head against the car window, watching as side streets pass by. I’d stayed late again, trying desperately to come up with a believable reason why I can’t go to the ceremony tonight. It’s the season’s most extravagant event; everyone will be expected to be there. At least I know I can bail on pretty much everything after this.

Of course, it’s on my freaking birthday. All I want is to stay at home in my pj’s, watching trashy TV. Is that too much for a girl to ask? Instead, I’m going to be paraded about like some kind of display piece for everyone to examine.

Oliver pulls in front of my town house, coming around the hood to open my door. He gives me a warm smile before passing me a small box. “Happy birthday, Ms. Laurent.”

“Thanks, Ollie.” Tears prickle at the back of my eyes, and I fake a laugh to cover the slight wobble in my voice. After years of keeping today a secret, I didn’t think there was anyone who even knew about it.

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