Page 79 of Beautiful Defiance

“Yeah, thanks.”

The conversation drifts to us just before Red closes the bedroom door. I back up until my legs hit the bedframe.

“Red, why are we here?”

“I’m testing a hunch. One.” He takes a step. “Two.” Another step. “Three.”

The door crashes open, and Seven barges in. I expect him to throw a punch. What I’m not expecting is the tight control he has over his body. His body is pulled taut. One move from Red and Seven will be on top of him, fists flying.

“What game are you playing at, Sterling?”

“The game of who gets her first. I saved your girl’s life. She owes me.”

“You’re wrong. She’s my property, so it’ll be me who owes you.”

I am his property?

“Name your price and I’ll give. Then we’ll call ourselves even.”

“Anything?”

“Anything.”

“What if I want a night with her?”

“Hey, I’m right here.” I wedge between them and glare.

Seven moves me off to the side with his hands on my shoulders.

“Not in the cards. Ask for something else.”

“You sure about that? It’d be easy to walk out that door and forget her.”

“I’m sure.”

“Last chance, Shanahan. There’s plenty of pussy out there waiting for you.”

“I said I’m sure. What do you want, Sterling?”

Ruthless gleam in Red’s eyes. “Your lucky coin. Hand it over.”

---