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“She means business.” His tone is softer, as is his expression, than when his mother was in the room.
“I feel like you’re deaf or something.” I still don’t like or trust him, but I’m not as on edge with only him in my place. “I don’t want your money.”
“I’m overstepping here.” He sticks his head out into the hallway as if checking to make sure Sage is gone.
“You think?” If I had the strength, I’d kick him out and slam the door in his face.
“Don’t be the hero or martyr. If you want this baby, take the money and leave. That’s the smart option. Name your price. She’ll pay it.” As if he’s already said too much, he mashes his lips together and stares hard at me.
“My answer hasn’t changed. No. Now get out.” I clench my jaw and ball my fists at my sides.
I’m done being civil and I’m now on the verge of tears.
Damn hormones. I will not let him see me cry. Fuck him and his mother.
He sighs, shaking his head like he’s gravely disappointed in me.Poor Lacy, dumber than dirt.
“I don’t need to tell you this, but just in case you’re thinking of doing this on your own. Don’t.” He pauses and runs his thumb across his lower lip like he’s weighing his next words. “Tell Ridge about this. He’ll be pissed and it’ll cause problems with Sage, but he’d want to know. And”—again, he glances outside and then back to me—“if you’re planning on sticking around, you’ve got a long road ahead of you. Telling Sage to fuck off isn’t the end. It’s only the beginning. You’ve declared war, a battle you can’t imagine, and you’ll need Ridge at your side.”
9
RIDGE
My head hurts as I reshuffle the same stack of papers I’ve been working on all morning. Despite my need to stay occupied and get some real work done, I can’t concentrate for shit.
My mind has been running circles since Lacy dropped the news about the baby. Ever since my baser instincts took over and I declared my intentions to my entire family.
Well, not all of my intentions. Sure as hell not going to tell them how I plan to win her over and make her mine. Or how my preferred way to do that is by getting her naked again, then making her beg for more.
Fuck me.
When did I become so infatuated? So goddamn possessive?
And why the hell do I like it so much?
There’s a hard knock on my office door, and the pain at my temple flares. I’m not in the mood for any more of my family’s nosiness, and not in the right headspace to deal with anything important pertaining to the ranch.
But I can’t ignore duty forever. “Come in.”
The door bursts open, revealing the woman I’ve been obsessing over, and the look on her face tells me I’m in for a world of hurt.
Damn, she’s gorgeous.
She stomps forward, closing the door firmly behind her, and crosses her arms under her ample breasts, making my dick perk up and take notice.
“I am not for sale.”
Her words crash over me like a dousing of cold water. “Pardon?”
“You heard me. I cannot be bought or sold like some cow at market. I don’t want to leave town to suit someone else’s agenda, and I willnothave an abortion.”
“Fucking right you won’t. That’s my child you’re carrying, and I already told you I’m taking care of what’s mine. Where’s this all coming from, Lace?”
Her eyes turn watery, and on a heavy sigh she drops her arms like the fight’s been suddenly drained from her. She looks like she’s ready to collapse, and a jolt of panic surges through me.
I stand, knocking back my chair, and rush to her side, ready to catch her if she falls. “You okay? Why don’t you sit and tell me what’s going on.”
Her nod is almost imperceptible, and she refuses to look me in the eye, but she lets me lead her to the nearby chair and takes a seat.
