Page 119 of Ruthless Redemption

“She’s a smart kid. I’m sure she’ll understand whatever view you take on this.”

“Whatever view?” I raise a brow. “There’s more than one?”

He shrugs. “I’m not convinced they have good intentions.”

“You think they’re trying to set us up?”

“Maybe. And usually, Langston would tend to agree. But his judgment has been clouded lately.” He gives me a pointed look. “He’s not listening to me.”

“Did he listen to you when plans were made to have me mugged?”

He scoffs. “None of this mess would’ve happened if he’d taken my advice and smoked you the first night we met.”

I blink. Blink again.

“I’m joking.” He rolls his eyes. “I didn’t tell him to snuff you until you turned up in D.C.”

“It’s always a delight to speak to you, Bishop.” I stand, preparing to eat elsewhere.

He pushes to his feet and reaches across the table to grab my wrist as I pick up my plate. “Sit down,” he grates. “It was a joke.”

“You expect me to giggle about how shitty you’ve treated me?”

“The only thing I expect from you, little exhibitionist, is a promise you’ll start fucking behind closed doors. I’m getting damn tired of seeing private parts best kept hidden.”

I stare him down. “Anyone would think Matthew does it on purpose to make you jealous.”

“It takes more than a willing victim and a firm rack to trigger that response, princess. I prefer my women less lippy.”

“And I prefer my men with more than a two-inch dick. So I’m glad we both agree your earlier involvement in the bedroom has been confirmed as a one-time event.”

He chuckles, his grip loosening on my wrist. “Yeah, nothing but a one-time event.” His touch becomes gentle, the sweep of his thumb seductive. “But fun all the same.”

He reclaims his seat. “I didn’t mean to insult you, Layla. You already know I was hard for you. Any sane man would’ve been. But fucking you isn’t something I think about unless it’s shoved in my face.”

“It’s never been my intention to shove—”

“I know. He likes to show you off. I can understand that.”

“I’m glad you do, because he still confuses me. A few days ago, I couldn’t talk to you without him being jealous. Now he’s…”

“Now you’re back together, his confidence has been restored.” He jerks his chin toward the house. “Look. He doesn’t feel threatened because he trusts you.”

I glance over my shoulder, meeting Matthew’s gaze.

Heat stares back at me. Hunger.

“He might have earned a savage reputation, but Langston will worship you till the day you die.”

I sit, lowering my attention to my meal, shuffling vegetables around with my fork while I contemplate the bliss of that type of future.

“You realize you’re stuck with him for life, right?”

My heart falters.

I think I knew the length of my commitment this morning at the airport. Maybe even the night he drew me a bath in Denver—the day he had me mugged. Or right at the very start, when his dark eyes met mine in Perfezione and he offered to help me take down my enemies.

“Yes,” I admit. “I’m well aware.”

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