Page 56 of Darling Obsession

“I hope not to.”

“You’re a smart woman, Miss Monroe.”

“What’s your name?”

“Manus, ma’am.”

“Well, thank you for the ride home, Manus.”

“My pleasure, Miss Monroe.”

I watch as a partition of blacked-out glass rolls up between the front seat and the back, cutting us off from Manus. And sealing me into the back with Harlan.

“What was that for?” I ask him. “We were having a conversation.”

“Yes. I enjoyed being discussed as if I’m not here.”

“You could’ve joined in.”

“Quinn.” It’s a low, warning growl that probablyshouldintimidate me.

Instead, it turns me on. The response between my legs is unmistakable as he stares me down. It’s like now that we’re truly alone, my sex parts think it’s time to play.

I can’t blame them for being confused.

I’ve never met anyone so obnoxiously controlling and so sexy at the same time.

I lift my chin and force myself to maintain eye contact when I ask, “Do you like me?”

“That’s a childish question.”

“It’s a straightforward question.”

He seems to consider his options, then answers. “No, I don’t like you.”

“You’re a liar.”

“Yes. I am.”

Jesus. It’s like talking to the Riddler. “Is everything a game to you?”

“No. Everything is a problem to solve.”

“That’s how you see me?”

“That’s how I see everything.”

“Then what problem were you solving when you bought Crave from Justin?”

“Frankly, I paid more than it was worth. I suppose he needed the money. The bakery was struggling, financially.”

I knew that. Though I didn’t know it wasthatbad.

Just another thing Justin didn’t tell me.

“Okay… so that’shisproblem. Why would you care?”

“I didn’t say I care.”

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