Page 100 of Bitter Arrangement

“I learned it. How come you can’t?”

“It’s impossible.” He crosses his arms and glowers at me. “I think this whole thing is rigged.”

“Give me that.” I stride over, take the lock, grab the picks, and get it open in less than thirty seconds. I dangle it from my fingers, eyebrows raised. “Got something to say?”

“This is bullshit,” he grumbles through his teeth.

I click the lock closed again and hand it back. “Look, let’s take a break. We’re both getting frustrated.”

“No.” He goes back to wiggling the picks. “We don’t have time for breaks.”

“You’re just going to burn yourself out.”

“How did you do that? Walk me through it again.”

“We tried that already. I walked you through it ten times. It hasn’t helped.”

He curses in Armenian and keeps trying to get the lock open as I slump down onto the couch and watch. I’ve seen Alexan beat men to death and make insanely accurate shots with his stubby pistol, and yet for some reason, picking this lock is completely messing him up.

I don’t get why. He’s obviously capable. I doubt there’s anything Alexan couldn’t figure out, given enough time. Except he’s right; we’re in a hurry, and it needs to click for him right now.

Stress is written on every inch of my husband. His jaw works, and his shoulders are hunched. He’s working so hard, and maybe that’s the problem. This lock has become a life-or-death situation when really, it’s just a stupid lock.

“You’re trying too hard,” I say suddenly.

“That’s dumb. There’s no such thing.”

I throw a pillow at his head. “Don’t call my ideas dumb.”

“Fine. Sorry. But still.” He growls and gives up on the lock again. “Ihaveto try hard.”

“Lockpicking is about finesse. It’s about feeling the tumblers, working them up one at a time, and getting them into the right position. It’s delicate.”

“I can do delicate.”

“I know, but right now you’re like a monkey trying to solve complex math with a hammer.”

“Your metaphors are wonderful today.”

“Thank you.” I give him a bow. “You just need something to help you relax.”

“I plan on robbing one vicious psychopath to appease another organization full of violent, vicious psychopaths, and if I don’t get this right, they’re going to kill you, your brother, and probably everyone I care about, myself included.”

“Exactly.” I sit up and snap my fingers as an idea hits me. “How about this: for every tumbler you get into position, I’ll take off a piece of clothing. When I’m naked, and you get that lock open, you can do whatever you want with me.”

His eyes light up. A little smile plays on his face. “Are you joking?”

“You need proper motivation.” I lean forward, pressing my breasts together. I give him a pouty smile. “Youdowant to fuck me, don’t you?”

“Now you’re just distracting me.”

“Come on, Alexan. Stop making excuses and get the lock open so you can use me however you want.”

His eyes narrow, and a smile plays across his face. “You’re a crazy person.”

“Impulsive, remember?” I wiggle my hips a little. “I’m serious though. Tell me when you feel a pin slip into place, and I’ll strip. More and more you’ll unwrap me until I’m naked and wet for you, and then you can do whatever you want.”

He licks his lips. “I’m going to get this lock open, then I’m going to make you suck my cock while I lick your pussy.”

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