Page 184 of Fiery Romance

“Let’s just say he taught me my first costly business lesson.” Cody tilts his head. “But I have to hand it to him. I adopted some of his practices and it served me well. It pays to be ruthless.”

“Hm.” I’m only half listening. My eyes are on Island who’s grinning at her friends.

She’s warm with them, which means there was definitely something off between us.

I’ve never been the type to let issues simmer.

Propelled by a force aching in my chest, I walk away in the middle of whatever Cody was saying.

Is it rude of me?

Probably.

But I can resist Island Hayes as much as a metal pin can resist a magnet.

I snatch her hand.

She whirls around, her eyes bulging. “Clay?”

“Ladies, gentlemen, I need to speak to Island. Can you excuse us?”

I’m not really asking for permission, and I don’t stick around for it but—as we’re walking away—I hear the women twittering about us.

‘How long do you think they’ll wait before they get married?’

Not long if I can have my way.

Unfortunately, Island looks like she’d rather spit nails in my face than walk down the aisle with me.

“Clay, what are you doing?” She hisses, shuffling awkwardly in her long dress and heels. “I have guests. I can’t do this right now.”

“It won’t take long, sweetheart.” I stalk into the hallway, glance left and right, spot another door up ahead and walk there.

Island shoots daggers with her eyes. “Where are we going?”

I kick open the door and walk into the dark, finally releasing her hand. The moment she’s free, she tries to escape.

I step in her way.

She tilts her head back. Eyes sparkling, she raises a fist and launches it at my chest.

“How dare you?” She rains punches down on me. “Do you think we’re cavemen? Do you think you can just haul me around like a—”

I pin her hands to my chest and push her against the wall. “You want to fight, Island? Let’s fight. But at least tell me what we’re fighting about.”

“Why should I tell you anything? It’s not like my words mean anything to you. You’ll just bulldoze over me and do what you want anyway!”

There’s too much venom in her voice. Too much agony in her eyes for me not to take her seriously.

I ease back, watching every nuance of her face. She’s breathing harshly. Fingers tense. Fists coiled at her sides.

“What are you talking about?” I hiss.

“I know about Sid’s offer to pay off my debt. I know about the NDA you made him sign after you rejected him. I know you had a chance to end this ridiculous arrangement between us.” She gestures to my body and hers. “And you didn’t take it.”

The wind leaves my lungs in a whoosh. Her words don’t hurt as much as the insinuation does. She’s looking up at me like I’m a monster. Like I would hurt her.

It feels like someone is skinning me alive.

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