Page 36 of Dirty Dillon

As we pull out of the driveway, Dillon reaches for my hand. “Did you mean that? Back there?”

I close my eyes. “It’s too soon. I shouldn’t have said it. I’m sorry if it freaks you out.”

“Freaks me out? Have you not been paying attention? Cress, I love you. I have from the minute I first saw you.” He squeezes my hand. “Are you crying?”

“No. Yes. I don’t want to tell you that you’re perfect because you’ll probably use it against me. But you say all the right things. And you do that thing with your tongue. And I don’t see how it’s possible to fall in love this fast. But I meant what I said to my father. I love you.”

I chance a look at him and he’s smiling. “Which thing with my tongue?”

***

The next day, whileDillon is out picking up lunch, I find myself alone in the garage office. I’m lost in thought when suddenly, the door opens, revealing Blake. His expensive suit and polished shoes are a stark contrast to the grease-stained walls and concrete floor.

“Darling, you’ve had your fun. It’s time to come home.”

Darling?

“Get out of here, Blake,” I demand, trying to keep my voice steady despite the fear that’s beginning to creep in.

“I’m here in your best interests, Cressida.”

I shake my head. “I think I am a better judge of my best interests than you are.”

“Are you, though? You’ve just been expelled from your university. You have no skills, no prospects. We both know that there is nobody in this town who can give you what you need. Other than me, of course. You won’t get a better offer.”

“I have no interest in being your mistress, Blake. Leave.”

“You think someone is going to marry you after your sex scandal? I’m afraid that ship has sailed. But I promise to take care of you.” He steps closer, his face just inches away from mine. “You know you want this.”

I take a deep breath and step back, putting more distance between us. His words are calm, but his eyes are wild. He’s unhinged, I think.

“I want you to leave,” I say firmly. “Now.”

He reaches out to take my hand. “Think about it, Cressida. I could give you so much. A life of luxury. You deserve it after all you’ve been through.”

Just then, the door slams open and Dillon strides in, his eyes blazing with fury. “Blake,” he growls, his fists clenched at his sides. “You’ve got three seconds to leave before I throw your sorry ass out.”

“Ah, there’s the white knight,” Blake sneers, straightening his suit. “No need for violence, Mr. Duke. I was simply making sure the lady was safe after her argument with her father.”

“Do not come back here, Masterson.”

“As you wish.” Blake casts me one last look before complying. I exhale a deep breath as he finally leaves.

“Are you alright?” Dillon asks, turning to me.

“Yes,” I say, my voice still trembling. “Thank you.”

“Hey,” he murmurs, pressing his lips to my forehead. “No one is going to hurt you, not while I’m around. I promise.”

The warmth of his touch and the softness in his voice wash over me, calming my frayed nerves.

“I missed you,” I whisper against his chest, feeling his heartbeat steady and strong beneath my cheek.

“Missed you too, sweetheart,” he replies, his arms tightening around me.

“Has your investigator come up with any leads on what Blake knows that my father is willing to trade me for in order to keep him quiet?”

“No, I’m sorry. Not yet. We’ll find it, princess. And then we’ll break open the corruption. No more secrets.”

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