Page 58 of Risks of Temptation
I push my hand through her hair on the side of her head. "Stop saying you're boring."
"I am."
"No, you've just been sheltered. That doesn't equate to boring."
Her face hardens. "It does in my opinion."
"I'm the farthest thing from sheltered, and I disagree."
She looks away, not believing me. I lean into her ear and in French murmur, "If you want a worldly experience, little girl, I'll show you one."
Her face grows hotter, heating my cheek, but she turns and glares at me. "You called me a little girl again."
"I thought we already went over the fact I'm a dirty old man regarding you?"
Her blush deepens.
"What else do you understand when I speak to you in French?" I ask.
"Not a lot. I always wanted to learn it."
"Yeah?"
She nods.
In French, I say, "Do you understand all the dirty things I say about my cock?" I raise my eyebrows. "Hmm?"
"Am I supposed to answer? I can't translate whatever you just said besides the words 'you' and 'dirty'."
I'm not sure if I'm relieved or disappointed in that. Part of me wonders if she'd be into talking filthy.
Probably not. She's sweet and innocent.
I kiss her jaw then brush my lips against hers.
She slides her hand through my hair. "Malin, something is bugging me."
"What, ma belle?"
She scrunches her face. "Why did Santiago take me? If I wasn't on the list?"
"I'm trying to figure out why, but the only conclusion I can come to is that you were a weapon to be utilized against Naomi."
She stares at the fire for a few moments.
What's going through your head, ma belle?
She turns back. Anger blazes in her eyes.
"Did I upset you?"
"Even Santiago can see I have no value other than making my sister worry more."
My jaw twitches. "You shouldn't want Santiago to see anything about you. It's good if he doesn't see you as anything else."
She turns to the fire and, in tiny movements, shakes her head.
"Ma belle—"
