Page 8 of Ruthless Oath

“Sit down,” he said.

“Is this your office?” I asked.

“It’s my father’s, but I’m using it while he’s away.” He stalked to a set of built-in shelves in the corner of the room and took out a bottle and two glasses from the cabinet.

“Where is he?”

“I don’t know.” He poured the amber liquid into the crystal glasses and then joined me on the couch. He handed me one. “Drink this. It will settle your nerves.”

“What is it?” I took the drink and sniffed the fruity contents. “Is it sweet?”

“Brandy.” He chugged his. “It reminds some people of apples, but it’s alcohol to me. I prefer vodka.”

When I pressed my lips to the rim of the glass, his gaze followed my mouth. I closed my eyes and sampled the liquid before slinging my head back and finishing the drink in one gulp like he had.

Despite the sweet, woodsy flavor, the liquid burned my chest and made my stomach ache. I crinkled my nose and set the glass on the coffee table.Too strong!

“Not up to your standards, princess?”

“I broke a nail.” I held up my finger. “So no, I’m not.”

“Are you kidding me?” He raised his deep, sexy voice. “You almost got shot, and you’re worried about your nails?”

“I just got this manicure today.”

“You’re as spoiled as I thought you were.” He went back to the cabinet. “Probably more, if that’s even possible.”

“You don’t know anything about me.”

“I know you don’t have the street smarts to take cover during an active shooting situation.” He poured himself another drink. “Isn’t that basic training for those of us who grew up in this environment? Hell, these days, everyone knows to get away from the threat.”

“Obviously, my father has the skills to keep us safe, because I have never been shot at before.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“I know where my father is. You can’t say the same.”

“Don’t talk about things you know nothing about.” He drained his glass and then slammed it on the counter, causing me to jump. “You have no idea what my father has done for his family.”

I’d hit a nerve, and considering he did save my life, I probably should be nicer.

“You’re right.” I slipped the wrap from my shoulders before getting up and joining him by the shelves. “I’ve never been in a situation where I was being shot at. I guess I panicked. It’s a blur.”

“You were stupid.”

“Seriously? Are you always so rude?”

“Are you always so clueless?”

“You’re impossible.” I ran my fingers through my hair. “I’m trying to thank you for helping me.”

“Helping you?” He quietly laughed. “Try keeping you alive.”

“You’re a little dramatic.”

“Was there supposed to be gratitude in there, princess? Because if there was, I didn’t hear it.”

“Maybe you weren’t listening.”

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