Page 88 of Sweet Touch of Venom

Think of something else quick.“I wouldn’t suggest that. Wild animals out there. Deadly predators. I’ve seen it firsthand,” I add, to fuel the lie. It’s the best I have.

She huffs, shaking her head and tossing up her hand. “That’s ridiculous.”

I tap the wheel, shrugging. “Alright, give it your best chance. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” I keep my face stern and serious,adding to the fib. Damn, I could be a fucking actor. “You don’t have to stay with me.” My throat tightens like I have a lemon is stuck in it.

She pauses, looking at me. “What?”

I don’t suck in the tight breath I badly need. I roll my lips, preparing for my pride to be burnt to ashes. “I’ll find you your own room.” There’s a few left. I hate the idea of her not being inmyhome, but I fucking despise the idea of her not being where she belongs.

A hotel? Her car? I’ll set them on fire if it means keeping her exactly where she’s meant to be.

With me.

No, at GenCre?… It's what Carter would want that.

I do too. But mainly for Carter.That’s right.

She flicks over her thumb, fingering at the knuckle. “You would do that? Despite the bet. The agreement.”

My nail digs into the steering wheel, glaring at the sign that says: ‘Leaving Hollow City.’

No, I wouldn’t do that.

I would tie you to the fucking bed if that meant you’ll stay in my place. But nothing good will come from that.

Well, come to think of it…

“Yes,” I strain out. “Your comfort is a priority. So, I understand one hundred percent.”

She shifts her legs, glancing at me, then back at the window. I know she’s pondering on it, which makes me wonder why? It’s what she wanted.

“While I appreciate it. I think I’ll stay.” She lets out a small sigh. “A deal is a deal. Fair and square. Plus, the bed in the room is pretty comfortable.” Her fingers find her hair, brushing it behind her ear.

I don’t resist the smile rising on my lips. I bought a bed for that room and it’s extra therapeutic. At least, that’s what theperson said when I asked for the best mattress they have similar to mine. One that’ll leave you waking up with no aches, like you slept on a damn cloud. I may or may not have threatened the owner, saying he might end up on a spike if bad results came back to me from using the bed.

“Good to know the bed fulfills your expectations.”

Her brow raises with a cute pucker to her lips. “It does.”

I switch positions, resting my elbow on the door frame, and running my fingers over the hilt of my scar. The smirk lingering.

“Also, I find it hard to believe you would be in an area full of wild predators if you have students on the premises,Headman.”She speaks in fluent Portuguese.

Shit.

I snap my head at her with pinched brows. The twist in my belly creates swirls and knots.

She folds in her lips, containing the grin on her cheeks.

I chuckle lightly in disbelief. “When were you going to tell me you understand my language?”

“You know now.”

I face forward. She amazes the fuck out of me. That means she knew exactly what I was saying about the fruit. I bite down on my lip.

Interesting.

Now I must learn French.

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