Page 29 of Whatever It Takes

Once I’m done, my stomach rumbles.

I ate a few hours ago, but I’m peckish.

Dinner was a shit show, so I’m guessing there will be plenty of leftovers. I make my way downstairs, but I stop dead in my tracks when I spot Briar and Easton.

He showed her to her room after the disaster of a meal. I know because I watched her on the cameras while I worked.

Easton has her pinned to the wall near the front door, with his hand wrapped around her throat. Her bags are haphazardly thrown in front of the door.

Damn.

Someone should have warned her.

He has this place locked down.

It’s impossible to escape from, especially at night. During the day, the guards are stationed at the front and back gates, but once it gets dark, they roam the property.

I hope he had the good sense to warn them she would likely try to escape; that way, they wouldn’t have executed her on sight.

I’ll do that once I get upstairs just in case he forgot.

Briar glares at Easton, hissing, “Let me go.”

They’re actually kind of a sexy image with his knee shoved between her thighs.

He taps his finger against her temple, keeping pressure on her neck with the other hand. “Not until you get the facts through that thick skull of yours. Youneedme. Iwantyou. There’s a mutually beneficial situation to be had here.”

“Men, you all think you get what you want just because you want it. Does it matter what I want?” she snaps back.

“Indeed, it does.” Easton chuckles darkly. “As long as you don’t want free of me, I’ll give you whatever your persnickety little heart desires. Hear me when I say this—you will be my wife. I’ll even let you keep Keir, since you seem so fond of him.”

Briar snorts. “How generous.”

I stay hidden, leaning back against the wall on the bottom step. I’m a little hurt no one thought to mention me. I’ve only brought her a mid-morning muffin and coffee from the little shop on the corner every damn day since I realized she hated the office coffee.

I even bought a whole new brand and disposed of the old one. I brought it up a few times, but she never gave the new one a try.

My arms cross over my chest as I frown.

She has to know I’m into her, right?

I might not be the most adept at flirting, but I’ve done my best.

I’ve given it a valiant effort.

“You’re going to drive me certifiably insane,” Easton growls, his lips ghosting over hers. “I’m making an effort.”

I cringe when Easton’s words echo my thoughts a little too closely.

That’s not a good look for me.

Briar’s chest rises and falls in rapid pants. “I’m sure you think you are. You get everything you want, and I’m just along for the ride.”

Easton scoffs. “Along for the ride? Darling, I’ll make you my queen. Anything and everything you need, I will provide. Do you want to know the real benefit of being mine, Briar?”

She visibly trembles, but her head gives a quick nod of agreement.

“You’ll never live in fear again. Your enemies become my problems to solve, and I’m ruthlessly efficient.” He nuzzles his cheek to hers, and my eyes bug. That’s an affectionate gesture meant for bonded mates or those who are seriously dating or even courting. “I won’t play coy. You’ll never have to wonder what I’m thinking or how I feel about you. I will protect you with my life and treat you as my equal.”

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