Page 39 of Buckled in Barbwire

As if I’m going to reveal the truth. “None of your concern.”

She stabs a finger into my chest. “You better not be trying to sell Echo again.”

I sweep her hand off me before I yank her closer on reflex. “It’s none of your business, Twinkles.”

“Don’t even go there.” She huffs and crashes into my shoulder on her way past me for a hasty retreat. “If I find out you’re trying to get rid of her, you’ll have hell to pay.”

That response is almost comical. But I guess Ted was right about people using this event to test the buyer’s market before winter. That hadn’t been my intention upon arrival, but I sure as shit can use it to my benefit.

Just as Paisley is about to storm off, I reach for her arm and haul her against me. “Not so fast. We have an arrangement to discuss.”

She yanks from my grasp. “There’s nothing left to talk about.”

“Be my wife, Twinkles.”

Her posture becomes a rigid beam. “You can’t afford me, boss. My moral compass is priceless and always points in the opposite direction of where you are.”

Whispers from those nearby begin to buzz in my ears.I turn slightly to shield her from the crowd. “You’d rather I sell Echo?”

“I’d rather you return to being a decent human and quit trying to force me.”

“Not happening.”

“Figures,” she huffs. “You’re a stubborn ass and I’m done trying to find any redeeming qualities.”

“Guess I came to the right place then,” I drawl.

Her eyes narrow into daggers. “You wouldn’t dare.”

I lean in until my cheek brushes hers. My exhale caresses her ear and she shivers. “We both know I will, just to prove a point.”

She pulls away to search my gaze. Her unshed tears are a knife to the gut, but a few droplets won’t stop me from pushing harder. It’s only fair that she crumbles too. A single glance from this woman rips me open and exposes the ugly rot I’ve become.

I grind my teeth. She was wrong the other day and I fed the lie. But the truth is that I do feel. Too much, thanks to her. She’s responsible for this downward spiral I’m caught in. My mother’s death should’ve ripped me to shreds, but this burst of sunshine streaking into my life is what’s turning me inside out. Whenever I get near Paisley, I have the sudden urge to kiss her into submission while simultaneously spanking her ass red. She really does bring out the worst in me.

“You’re gonna regret it,” she whispers.

A sharp ache stabs at my gut. It’s strange and uncomfortable but I’m beginning to realize that the pain beats being numb. That’s why I find myself begging for another hit.

“What did my sister have to say?” My heart pounds when Paisley dips her chin.

“Bianca is busy on her trip, which I’m sure you know.” She bites her bottom lip while a rosy flush races up her throat. Fuck, yeah. That hits the spot. “But she’s assured me you’re just on a power trip and won’t take it too far.”

“When was that?”

Paisley fidgets with a jewel on her belt. “It’s been a while.”

“Haven’t gotten ahold of her lately?” It requires villainous effort to mask a grin.

Her baby blues leap to my face, scrounging for secrets. “Have you?”

My shrug is easy. “Don’t worry about it.”

“Easy for you to say.” Her frown flattens into a firm line. “I’m caught in a sticky trap with no escape.”

“There’s always a choice,” I remind her.

Paisley tips her head skyward and groans. “Why are you the worst?”

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