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“Bullshit.”

“It is my responsibility.”

“And you’re mine.” He growls. Dane drags a hand over his beard. “That came out wrong.”

“Did it?”

His eyes meet mine. “No.”

Heat moves through my chest. He steps closer. “You think I’m paying because of some contract?”

“Aren’t you?”

“I stopped giving a shit about that contract about five minutes after you moved into my house.”

I almost smile. “Five minutes?”

“Maybe three.”

“That’s very romantic.”

“Best you’re getting.” His hand settles on my hip. “I don’t know how to do this,” he says.

“Do what?”

His thumb moves against my sweater. “Watch you hurt when I can stop it.”

The anger drains out of me. “Dane.”

“I can fix this.”

“Money doesn’t fix everything.”

“I know.” His gaze holds mine. “But if it fixes one thing hurting you, I’m going to use it.”

“You could’ve asked me.”

“You would’ve said no.”

I touch the front of his shirt. “Next time, ask.”

“Fine.”

“And if I say no?”

“I’ll still do it anyway.”

“Dane.”

He kisses me.

Quick.

Hard.

Enough to shut me up.

When he pulls back, I glare at him. “You can’t kiss me every time you’re losing an argument.”