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I don’t know when I begin to pace, but focusing on the carpet under my bare feet is keeping me from spiraling. They ignore my distressed state and how I’m on the brink of a cardiac arrest, instead choosing to continue their conversation.
About me.
About my safety.
How did everything turn to shit so fast?
I’m sweating.
I don’t like this.
I don’t like this one bit.
My control is slowly slipping away. It makes my hands tremble and an ache claws at my chest.
When Jake turns his attention back to me, the crease between his brow deepens. He scrubs his fingers over his stubbled jaw. I don’t know why I think it’s okay to follow the movement, and I get stuck watching him. If he notices, he doesn’t say because when our eyes lock again, they’re narrowed, and he’s assessing me like a piece of furniture he needs to move.
What the hell is he thinking in that gorgeous head of his?
He nods toward my shoes on the floor.
“Grab your things. We’re leaving.”
My head rears back, but I stay firm on my feet. “I can drive myself home, but thank you.”
A very low yet powerful groan rumbles in his chest. “You’re not going home. I’ll have someone pick up your car.”
I huff a laugh, crossing my arms over my chest. He’s not making any sense. “That’s stupid. Nothing is going to happen on the drive back to my house.”
He curses under his breath and that blazing fire returns, flecks of amber burning in brown pools. “You’re not going to your house. You’re coming home with me.”
What?
He says it with so much conviction, I almost believe him.
“No, I’m not.”
But he doesn’t reply. Instead, he exhales sharply, and I become desperate for air.
I blink.
He blinks harder.
I take a step back.
He takes a confident step forward.
I don’t know what kind of dance this is, but I don’t want any part of it.
“No, I’m not,” I repeat, wishing my voice sounded stronger, but it breaks.
“Yes, you are, Claire.” His voice certainly doesn’t break because this deluded man is serious.
Mother of pearl.
He’s not backing down, but I’ll be damned if I do.
Hell will freeze over before I agree to stay with him.
