Page 30 of Whatever It Takes

Well, that’s a little over the top.

She was sleeping next to Jameson last night. Easton needs to find some chill, or the second his back is turned, she’s going to try to stab him just so she can make a clean getaway.

“Give me a chance.” Easton’s tone almost sounds…pleading.

That can’t be right.

“If nothing else, stay long enough for me to ensure your safety once you leave. Give me the opportunity to eliminate yourbrother. If I can’t win you over by then, I won’t stop you if you still want to go.” Easton rests his forehead against hers, staring down at her as his free hand caresses her cheek.

I pat around for my phone, because this shit needs to be documented. Only, I must have left it upstairs.

Dammit.

Keir will never believe me.

Easton was practicallybeggingBriar for a chance? I wouldn’t buy it unless I saw it firsthand. Maybe he is on the verge of a breakdown or something? This is in no way his normal style.

In fact, I’ve seen him go entire days saying fewer words than he just spewed at Briar.

Shit, he will try to kill me if he realizes I saw this go down.Very slowly and quietly, I begin backing up the stairs.

“How about I put it this way? If you don’t accept my offer, I’ll have to handcuff you to my bed every night to ensure I get adequate sleep,” Easton says calmly, like his words aren’t complete insanity. “If I’m up half the night worrying you’re going to bolt, I will be even less pleasant than normal to interact with.”

“Fine, I’ll stay,” Briar says, nodding. “But I’m sleeping with Calder tonight.”

I freeze and change my momentum to go down instead of back up the stairs. Hopefully, they’ll assume I’m just joining this little party.

Briar’s head tilts in my direction, and I’m pretty sure she noticed me a while ago, even if Easton didn’t.

Once I hit the floor in the entryway, I raise my palms. “Please don’t take offense to this, but I don’t want to die tonight.”

Easton gives her throat a final squeeze and steps back.

Damn, the veins on his hands are even poking out.

He’s about to try to murder me.

Briar grins mischievously. “Don’t worry, Calder. Easton assured me I can have anything I want, as long as I behave.”

Easton gives Briar a tight smile. “I believe I said you could keep Keir. I don’t remember uttering Calder’s name.”

“He is going to hurt me if you keep that up,” I mutter under my breath.

It’ll likely be worth it, though.

The smile on Briar’s face only widens. “I’ll keep him too, if he’s open to it. You can carry my bags up. I’ll be sleeping in Calder’s room tonight. I’m used to having someone to snuggle with.”

My head tilts.

Pain and suffering will be coming my way when Easton seeks his revenge for this little stunt, but tonight I’ll soak up Briar’s sweet honey and coconut scent.

My palms are still out, like I’m being detained by the police. I drop one and extend the other arm, wiggling my fingers for the little omega.

Briar walks right into my chest.

Only, my stomach growls like it’s trying to eat itself. “Sorry. I came down for a snack.”

She laughs. “No problem. I could eat too.”

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