Page 39 of Safe and Sound

“Actually, I don’t. Maybe it’s because I’m an equal opportunity fucker.”

Ava playfully rolled her eyes at me. “It’s about allowing women into your private sanctuary.”

“Up until five months ago, I lived with my four brothers. There wasnoprivacy, which is why I enjoy bringing women such as yourself to my new place.”

“Charming.”

I jerked my chin at her. “Come on and come home with me. I just live about ten minutes from here.”

“You sure you don’t mind a stranger being in your home?”

Wagging my brows at her, I countered, “I think we passed you being a stranger when I came in your mouth.”

Pink tinged Ava’s cheeks. “I suppose so.”

I cocked my head at her. “Would you feel safer at a hotel?”

“No. I feel totally safe with you.”

“Are you sure? This could all be a facade, and I could be some weirdo who has lampshades made from skin.”

She laughed. “I can read you, remember?”

“Dammit, that’s right. No secrets with us, huh?”

“They’re there. I’ll just need some time to uncover them.”

Unease pricked over me at the thoughts of Ava uncovering all my darkest secrets. Something told me she would never be okay with who I truly was. And that scared the hell out of me.

Chapter Nine: Ava

After exiting the club through the back entrance, an enormous black SUV was waiting on us. One of the bodyguards from earlier was driving while another one I didn’t recognize led us out of the club. It didn’t go without my notice the silver gleam of a gun when the man reached to open the door.

Once we were inside, I turned to Dare. “You really have an intense security detail.”

His jaw clenched as he stared ahead. “You can never be too careful.”

“It must be smothering sometimes.”

With a shrug, he replied, “It just goes with the territory.”

As I stared at his profile, it suddenly hit me. All his references to me being free. “I think it bothers you more than you like to admit.”

He whipped his gaze back to mine. “Are you trying to read me again, Ava?”

“Maybe.” After he stared intently at me, I couldn’t help asking, “I’m right, aren’t I?”

“In a way.”

“And what way is that?”

“Sometimes I wish I did have a little freedom. But my responsibilities don’t allow for that.”

“Can’t you get out of them?”

“No.”

“Surely you have more control over your life than you’re admitting.”

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