Page 4 of The Mountains Edge

He goes very still as my arm brushes his chest. Every point of contact burns.

"Lady—"

"Daisy."

"Daisy." He says my name like it's something dangerous. "You don't want to push me."

"Pretty sure I do." I meet his eyes, letting him see exactly how much I want to push this. Push him.

For a long moment, he just stares at me. The intensity in those grey eyes makes it hard to breathe. Then his gaze drops to my mouth andoh– the heat there nearly melts my knickers.

A bark splits the air.

We jump apart as a husky limps through the door, trailing mud and looking mighty pleased with himself. A grey dog follows, moving cautiously on bandaged legs.

"You're sneaky." But there's no heat in my accusation. "You have two dogs."

Marcus looks like he wants to murder the dog. "Scout, stay."

"Scout?" I cross my arms. "They're both yours?”

"Both are temporary."

"Uh-huh." I crouch to check the younger dog bandages. They're expertly wrapped.

“What’s your name sweetheart?” I ask as the younger dog leant into me.”

“Luna.” He huffs out. “She’s a stray. I need to find her owner. Both of them. They are both temporary.”

I stand and stretch. "Just like you temporarily broke into my store to check on the furniture? I saw the boot prints and the size looks like it’s yours."

His boots shift in my peripheral vision. "I was making sure the humidity hadn't ruined the pieces. And the Post is where we sometimes meet. " He cuts himself off with a curse.

I remember Joe telling me about the Post holding meetings occasionally for the town. I had agreed to that, but now I’m also curious about what they were. More importantly, Marcus needs something from me, so I can bargain. I hide my smile.

"Tell you what." I straighten, trying to ignore how my body reacts when I realize how close we're standing. "You agree to make me new pieces, and I'll forget about the breaking and entering. I'll even throw in free dog supplies, and let you continue to use the Post for your meetings."

“You’re not scared of me?”

“Do I need to be scared of you?” I ask, confused.

He gestured to his face. “This doesn’t scare you?”

I step closer and go to cup his face, but he steps back. “I see people as more than their outside appearance.”

"You don't give up, do you?"

"Not when I want something." I let my eyes drag over him slowly, leaving no doubt about what else I might want.

His pupils dilate. The air between us thickens.

"Fine," he growls. "But we do this my way. I work alone. At night."

"Not anymore." I hold out my hand. "Partners?"

He stares at my offered hand like it might bite him. Finally, he takes it, his rough palm sliding against mine.

Electricity shoots straight to my core.

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