Page 148 of Exes and Oh Hell No

HARPER

“It’s nice of Ally and Connor to give us some alone time.” I wiggle my brows playfully, my gaze lingering on Ford’s handsome-as-sin face.

I wave my hand out to keep the briar from hitting me in the face, but Ford already snaps it in the other direction before it makes contact with my skin.

His eyes don’t leave mine.

Something darker swirling in them, something dangerous that makes my pulse stutter.

“Are you sure you’re ready for me like this, baby?” His voice is smooth, but there’s a sharp edge underneath—one that sends a thrill skittering down my spine.

I take in his face as we walk through the woods.

This isn’t my usual playful, teasing husband.

There’s a storm brewing inside him, and for the first time, he’s not keeping it hidden from me.

Although I should be afraid of that, some twisted part of me isn’t.

I play it coy, blinking up at him with wide eyes.

Swallowing hard, I whisper, “I think so.”

His lips press together as if he’s deciding something.

Finally, he says, “Why don’t you tell me about that asshole back there.”

My breath catches.

He jerks his head in the general direction we came from, his jaw tightening. “I want to knowexactlywhat you’ve been hiding from me.”

I should have expected this.

Ford doesn’t let things go.

Ever.

But this is different.

This isn’t just possessiveness.

It’s something deeper.

A need for control.

A need to reclaim what he thinks was taken from him.

And God help me, that thought sends a rush of heat straight to my core.

My mouth and throat are dry as I nod. “Well… I’m not sure where to begin.”

“I don’t care where youstart. I just need to know what that fuckerdid,” Ford snaps, his voice like gravel and steel.

My pulse pounds.

I should be unnerved.

I should be scared.

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