Page 63 of Tabitha

My foot pauses on the step, and I glance back at him, my hand tightening on the railing, ready to mule kick him, only to freeze awkwardly at the slight twinkle in his eyes. He raises a brow and holds up his empty hand. “Truce?”

I nibble on my bottom lip, uncertain why a truce feels more dangerous than having a weapon pointed at me. I tighten my grip on the railing, then slowly begin my ascent again. “What kind of truce?”

I need specifics.

A truce where we don’t kill each other, or a truce where—

“I told you a little bit about myself. I would love to know more about you.” Gage seems genuinely curious, and I’m barely able to resist cringing.

Oh fuck!

He wants to be friends.

I hurry the rest of the way up the steps, not even caring if I’m running.

Because no matter how much I might want what he’s offering, it would only take him a heartbeat to see that I’m damaged.

I would rather he think I’m a threat than discover how broken I am.

I suspect pity from any of the men would finally succeed in shattering the last bit of my sanity.

Chapter Nineteen

TABITHA

“What’s there to tell?” I squeak, practically sprinting down the hallway to get away from Gage. I burst into my bedroom and scurry toward the wardrobe, burying my head inside the cabinet. My fingers frantically run along the edges of the back panel until it pops open, and I breathe a sigh of relief. “Follow me!”

I don’t wait for Gage to respond, just fling myself into the passageway and dart down the stairs at a pace just short of a sprint. By the time I reach the bottom, I’m panting. I yank on the string, breathing a sigh of relief when the light flickers on in the tiny space. I don’t wait for Gage as I place my finger on the scanner. The door beeps open, and I step aside, waiting for Gage to catch up.

His pace is steady and measured. He stops in front of me, peers curiously into the room, then turns to face me. “How about we make a deal?”

He places a hand near my head, then leans in close, and my breath halts in my chest, my heart rattling wildly at his nearness. I wish I could say it’s from fear, but I don’t feel threatened. If anything, I want to press even closer. I clear my throat, then force myself to meet his gaze. “What do you have in mind?”

He shuffles nearer until only inches separate us. He picks up a strand of my hair and rubs it between his fingers. “Tell me something small about yourself, and I’ll reward you with a kiss.”

I tip my head to the side, a furrow forming between my eyebrows. “I don’t think it’s supposed to work like that. Aren’t you supposed to threaten to kiss me if I don’t tell you something?”

One side of his mouth kicks up in a sexy, smug smile, the man oozing confidence. “Oh, my kisses are not something anyone would consider a punishment. They’re more of a reward.”

And damn if he doesn’t wink.

This close, he smells like vanilla and cookies, and I suddenly crave a taste, wanting to see if his not-so-modest bragging could possibly be true. I haven’t given much thought to kisses…until this trip. I don’t know if it’s because I’m alone with the men or forced to interact with them, but I find each of them fascinating.

Even if they are a bunch of asses most of the time.

Or maybe that’s the appeal.

They’re not trying to sweet-talk me or flatter me. If anything, they’re brutal in their frank talk.

I actually like it.

A thrill goes through me whenever one of them enters the room, and I can’t help but watch them like they’re some rare creature at a zoo. Maybe the appeal is that they’re just as lethal as I am. It’s attractive that they can hold their own against me. If I push back on them, they won’t break.

They’re a challenge, and I always loved a good challenge.

Gage continues to gaze down at me, patiently waiting for my decision. He won’t force me, and it actually makes me want to share a little bit about my past with him. Unfortunately, when I try to think of something small to share, my mind goes completely blank. “What if I can’t think of anything?”

Instead of being put off, Gage just shrugs. “Too many options. I get that. How about you tell me about your first memory?”

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