Page 40 of Buckled in Barbwire

“You bring it out in me, and insist on being difficult.”

“Me?” Her gasp is the fakest form of shock I’ve witnessed since Mom’s soap opera era. “You’re the one playing bride or blackmail.”

“I can assure you that my intentions aren’t built on corrupt foundations. This is for the greater good. If my uncle is put in charge, Benson Farmstead will be ruined. My mother definitely wouldn’t want that.”

“But what you’re asking me to do is wrong.”

“Only if you bring emotions along for the ride. It’s a contractual agreement. Simple and brief. You’ll be compensated for your cooperation.”

“Wow, that’s very sweet.” Her voice is devoid of inflection, which hurts me more than I care to admit. “You sound like a master manipulator.”

There’s a sudden lump in my throat and I gulp. “It’s a recent development.”

“Suits you well,” she mutters.

Heat floods my veins and I widen my stance. “Careful with the compliments, Twinkles.”

“Or what? You’ll threaten to trap me in a tower? It would fit with the story since you’re already trying to steal my free will.”

I shake my head. “There’s a choice. Make the right one.”

Blue flames burn in her fierce stare. “I’ve always preferred the left.”

My cock jerks behind my zipper. “Fuck, you and that sassy mouth. If the circumstances were different, I’d very much enjoy fucking that bratty attitude out of you. With consent, of course.”

Her breath hitches as a fresh blush blooms across her cheeks. “Well, how about that? There are lines you won’t cross.”

“We all have limits. Is this truly yours?”

Before she can answer, a hush settles over the crowd as someone makes an announcement. Paisley’s eyes widen and she begins hoofing it to the benches. “If you made me miss their big moment, I’m gonna put you on blast over the loudspeaker.”

I match her quick stride. “You’re ready to broadcast your devotion to me? Why didn’t you say so sooner?”

She keeps her focus locked straight ahead. “Your skull is thicker than your ego.”

“Thanks for noticing. Care for a private tour to see where else I’m hardheaded for you?”

She slams to an abrupt stop at the bottom of the bleacher stairs. “Stop following me.”

“Why?” My gaze trails to the front row where several guys are looking at us. “Is someone waiting on you?”

“As if I’d pour more gasoline on this dumpster fire.”

I breathe easily for what feels like the first time in months. “Saving yourself for me then?”

“Spoiler alert,” she clips. “I’m not a virgin.”

Desperate need has my dick trying to punch a hole through my jeans. I almost groan at the mounting pressure demanding release. “That’s a relief, Twinkles.”

Paisley falters but snaps her slack jaw shut quickly enough. “Why?”

A tug on her belt loop crashes her chest into mine. My lips dust her forehead as a bright future appears in front of us. “I won’t have to be gentle on our wedding night.”

My phone trembles in my grip and I pause on the porch before stepping inside. The ringing cuts to Bianca’s voicemail, which leads to the inevitable beep. I hang my head as the repetitive cycle continues, but that doesn’t stop me from leaving a message.

“Hey, Bee. It’s me. Again. I’m starting to get really worried. Your dad is nowhere to be found either. I really need to talk to you. It’s urgent. Your brother is still threatening to sell Echo. I’m not sure if he actually will, but it’s freaking me out. Not hearing back from you isn’t helping. Please call me. Day or night. Love you. Bye.”

Just as I disconnect the call, the front door swings open. My mother stands there in her Sunday best. She blinks at me before doing a visual sweep of the surrounding area. Crickets and the setting sun streaking across the pale sky are all that keep me company.

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