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“You didn’t answer me about living alone.”
“Not your business,” I say. “And I’m sure you already know. Now, I have to go—”
He grabs my arm, and the grip is hard, biting down into me. “You do not walk away from me, Sarah. Ever. You’re still mine whether you like it or not. And just because I wouldn’t touch you now doesn’t mean you’re free. I won’t let you go, so there’s no point in fighting me.”
“I think,” says a dark rich voice behind me, “you should think carefully about touching her.”
“She’s not yours.” Billy doesn’t lift his gaze from me and crushes his hand harder.
“Ow.” I wince, knowing I’ll have a bruise in just a matter of hours.
“Not yours either,” Leland says harshly. “Unhand her, and we’ll go back into my office to talk. There are laws about assault,and it looks and sounds to me like you’re breaking some of those.”
“You don’t tell me what to do.”
Billy sounds friendly, but I know him. This is him getting mad. Or madder than he is.
And I don’t want Leland in the middle of my dirty laundry. “Leland, it’s fine—”
“No. It isn’t.” His sharp gaze comes to me briefly before focusing on Billy. “I don’t give a fuck who or what he is. He doesn’t get to hurt you.”
Billy slowly lets me go. “You picking a fight with me?”
Leland grins, and the light in his eyes is feral. “You’re the CEO, sorry . . . president of BNK. I’m sure you don’t really want to be brawling on the streets. It’s a little town. Our local paper is both online and in print, and apart from one of the good old boys losing a cow or a recent engagement, there isn’t much to talk about. Something like this is sure gonna get attention.”
“You’re right.”
No one moves, and Leland looks at ease as Billy is tense. “‘Course I am. Why are you in town? This is the second big out-of-towner we’ve had.”
“I take it someone from Alpine is here.”
My head starts to spin. It’s like nothing happened, but I’m more than aware there’s a fast-moving river behind these words.
“Sure are. And I find it intriguing that you’re here also, being the president of your company and all. I would have thought you’d send someone to handle business here for you rather than coming yourself.”
Billy gives a shrug as he smooths his sleeves and fusses with his cufflinks. People are looking, but it’s a workday and most people aren’t out and about. I almost thank the stars for that, even though I know tongues will wag.
“We’re thinking of acquiring a large part of Alpine Energy, but . . . I wanted to check out Sarah’s property, see if it’s worth it.”
I give an involuntary look at Leland, who’s face could win a poker game.
“Well, considering the property which you speak of belongs to Sarah’s employer and all those details are client privilege, you’ll need to speak with me on behalf of the owner, Dakota Downs. If you’re wanting to know the worth, the details of anything, come inside and maybe we can make an appointment and sort all this out once and for all. With all the relative parties.”
He pauses.
“And may I ask how you know Sarah?”
Billy smiles. “She didn’t tell you? We’re married.”
And my humiliation is beyond complete and has entered a different dimension.
Leland’s face remains expressionless as he nods.
Then, he punches Billy in the face so hard, he goes down.
Chapter Twelve
Leland
