Page 44 of Savage Promises

I lean back against the tufted rolls of the leather booth. “Is that your way of asking me about my sex life?” There’s not much to tell except for the occasional hook-up.

Her cheeks redden to a deeper shade beyond whatever makeup still clings to her beautiful face. “I would never,” she says. “Now that you’ve brought it up.”

“I don’t make it a habit. And as far as my sex life, let’s just say I’m disciplined in that area.”

“Disciplined, huh?” She snorts and reaches for her glass, nearly knocking it over in the process.

“Easy,” I murmur in a low growl.

“Easy. Now that sounds more like it. Disciplined doesn’t sound like fun.” She runs a finger over the rim of her glass in a seductive swirl. “I think there’s a part of you that’s...wild.”

My jaw tightens. Lennox has a way of cutting through me, of seeing things I’d rather keep hidden. From everyone. But not her.

“Depends on who I’m with,” I say, playing with fire.

I’m dying for her to take the bait, fall off the edge with me to a place neither of us should go.

“So, tell me, on your wedding night, when you’re with my sister...” she drawls cautiously. “She’s...well...not exactly...”

“She’s a virgin,” I deadpan. “Or shebetter be because that’s what I was promised.”

Lennox sits back. “And why is that important?”

I think about that and on an exhale say, “Stupid tradition, I know. It’s a symbol of power. To take your enemy’s daughter’s most precious gift. One she can only give once and to one man.”

A visible chill runs through Lennox. “Sounds primitive.”

“I agree.” I clink her glass. “But you were there. This arrangement was thrust upon me. See, it’s not only Neve who has no choice. Neither do I.”

“There’s only an upside for you.” She grabs the menu and hides her face behind the tall folded card.

I push it down to keep her attention on me. “There is no upside to marrying someone I don’t want. Virgin or not. If I had my way, I’d choose a woman with experience. Someone who will be an active participant in my bed and give me what I need.”

Lennox shoves a finger in my face. “Don’t you dare hurt my sister.”

I laugh and grip her hand. “Always protecting her.”

“Someone has to. Maybe I should prepare her.” Her words are laced with edgy mischief. “You know, big sister duties and all.”

My cock thickens in my pants, and I shift to lessen the pressure. “What exactly are you suggesting?”

She studies me like I’m some puzzle she’s determined to solve. “What’s your thing, Shane? In the bedroom, I mean. Are you...gentle? Rough? Do you like to take control?”

Heat surges through me. I thread my fingers with hers and squeeze to keep my composure. “Lennox, you’re drunk.”

“I’m tipsy,” she corrects, looking at our hands. “Not the same thing. You suggested these drinks. Deal with it.Now answer the question.”

I sigh and release her hand. Running one of mine through my hair, I say, “That’s not a conversation I’m having with you.”

I’d much rather show her. Make it a fucked-up justification to strip her down, show her the man I am in bed. And hope that she drives her sister to some bus station with what’s left of her cash. Tell Neve to leave town and never come back.

Christ, that’s not a bad idea... But then we’ll never get that armory location.

“Shane.” Lennox pouts, leaning back. “My sister deserves to know what she’s getting into.”

“She deserves it? Or you?” My pulse races at her boldness and the lines we’re daring to cross.

“Both,” she whispers a sound that if I were standing, it would bring me to my knees.

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