She sighs, relaxing a little under me. “I hate you.”
“I hate you more,” I counter, my lids heavy. I give in and close my eyes, my face settling on her shoulder. “Thank you for hurting me.”
“Thank you for letting me.” Her hold of me tightens. And my love for her grows.
“But where are you going?” The concern in her voice is undeniable as she follows me from the bathroom to the wardrobe, stark naked and wet. Our shower was just how I intended it to be. Intimate. Then I told her I was going out, and she’s been like a dog with a bone ever since.
I pull on a pair of boxers. “Don’t worry.”
She scoffs. I get it. After everything, I get it. She remains before me, glaring at me with a look that could cut off my dick. “Tell me,” she demands, folding her arms over her chest and pushing her boobs up high. I swallow and look away, reaching for some jeans. My hand just lands on them when they’re swiped away. “Danny.” My name is short, clipped, and drenched in warning.
I sigh and face her. “Give me my jeans.”
“No.” She takes them behind her back, as if that might stop me from getting at them.
Stepping forward fast, I grab her arm and swing her around, pulling her back into my front and locking her tightly in my hold. “Give me my jeans.” I don’t want to take them. I want her to surrender them.
“Only if you tell me where you’re going.”
“No.” Fuck this. I haven’t got time to play battle of the wills. I snatch them from her hand and release her, getting them on before reaching for a thin-knit V-neck jumper and pulling it over my head.
As I push my arms through the sleeves, I watch, amused, as her cheeks pulse from the fierce bite of her teeth. She’s getting angry. It’s sexy as fuck. “Fine.” She reaches for her hand and pulls her ring from her finger.
I can’t help but roll my eyes at her pathetic demonstration. “Put it back on,” I order, slipping my feet into my boots.
“Being in a relationship is about compromising,” she argues, placing her ring on the dresser nearby.
Did she read that in a book or something? I don’t know, but she’s seriously rubbing me up the wrong way. Stomping over to the cabinet, I snatch the ring off the dresser and swipe up her hand, shoving it back on her finger. Then I frame her cheeks with my palms, getting my face threateningly close to hers. “Ever take that off again, I won’t be so nice next time.” I slam a kiss on her lips and feel her go lax against me.
Her arms are over my shoulders in an instant, her body crawling up mine until she’s hanging from my front. I know her game. Stall me. Or stop me leaving altogether. She hums, moans, and if I don’t stop this kiss soon, she might claim a victory. “Enough.” I pry myself away from her mouth, finding starry eyes and rosy, swollen lips. She’s breathless. Her skin hot under my palms.
“I’m worried,” she admits quietly. “I know you’re going to see Nox. You are, aren’t you?”
“I already told you, I don’t want you worrying about that.” I try to place her on her feet and get absolutely nowhere, every one of her muscles locking down. “Rose . . .” I warn.
“Promise me.”
“Promise you what?”
“That you’ll be safe.”
I smile, even if I hate this unfamiliar uncertainty in her. “I promise,” I reply softly, bringing her in for a hug. The wet hair on her neck tickles my nose, and I breathe her into me.
“I hate you.” Her words vibrate with emotion.
I close my eyes and hold her tighter. “I hate you too.”
“Come back to me.”
“Always.” It’s an effort, but I rip myself away and leave her behind, walking out of the bedroom with purpose and grit.
“You’re shitting me?” Brad’s face is twisted with disbelief beyond recognition. “No way, Danny. No fucking way.” He turns at the front door and marches out to the car, throwing himself into the driver’s seat in defiance. The door slams with a thwack, and he starts the engine, revving it hard and loud.
Ringo slips his hands into his pockets and relaxes back on his heels. “I don’t think he likes your plan.”
“Tough shit.” I go after Brad, pulling the door open. “I’ve made up my mind.”
“You’re fucking crazy.”
“I told the Romanians I’d be alone. It’ll be a bloodbath before we get out the car if they see you with me.”
“Then I won’t be in the car.” He throws a hand out toward Ringo. “We’ll take cover in the woods.”
I sigh, working hard to keep my cool. “Don’t you think Nox will have men covering every angle?”