Page 41 of Riordan's Revenge

He watched me. Leaned in then rocked back.

I had no idea what I was doing, but I couldn’t let him be hurt. I’d also never wanted anything more than to take the pressure between us and break it.

He owed me two more kisses. I wanted more.

“What if we make a deal?” I asked.

“What kind of deal?”

“The game Arran operates in his basement ties couples together for thirty days. That’s based on the amount of time it takes to do two things: To form a habit and to create an emotional bond. That’s why he keeps the winning couples together. Orders them to have sex every day.”

With an inscrutable expression, he waited on me to continue.

“Give me something like that. Ten days.”

“To do what?”

“Help ye get your revenge on the mayor.”

His nostrils flared. “Not exactly what I was hoping you’d say.”

“And,” I interrupted, “we belong to each other for that time. We do anything we like. Be on call for the other and take everything we need.”

A hot rush of desire had me digging my hands into the cushion, wishing he was under me. The core of my body directly over his hardness. Desperation added to my swirling emotions.

His hands formed fists. “There are so many reasons why that isn’t a good idea. I’ve told you mine. You have your own.”

“Because I’m obsessed? From what my therapist taught me, everything I’m feeling will go away if I indulge it. It’s the denial which is driving me insane. That’s the reason I’m the way I am. I want to possess ye. When I do, it’ll stop. Ten days will be enough without risking ye getting hurt.”

His gaze searched mine. “I won’t fall in love with you, wild girl. I can’t.”

My heart hurt. “And I’ll fall out of love with ye.”

Some part of me was about to break. I wasn’t sure what. All I knew was this moment and how locked in I was with Riordan.

A thump rocked the door.

Riordan whirled around then swore and relaxed again when my brother identified himself.

“I’ve brought food. Open the fuck up,” Struan grumbled.

Riordan strode to answer. I was stuck in hope.

Riordan’s revenge was so simple yet shot through with difficulties. That was fine. I was skilled with cutting through the noise and taking action. Yet there was conflict in it for me, too. In murdering the mayor of Deadwater, I’d be acting against the wishes of Arran and his crew, damaging the trust I was earning in the place I wanted to call my second home. All for the sake of a man I’d temporarily decided was mine.

What I couldn’t be sure about was which side of the issue I’d regret.

My musings were cut short as the door swung open. And my brother pulled a gun on Riordan.

Chapter 14

Riordan

Struan stalked into the apartment, a tray in one hand and a gun in the other. His gaze took in the corners of the room then me. “Cosy in here.”

I held my ground.

The door clicked closed, and the dangerous man set down the food and lifted his chin to his sister. “Eat.”

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