Page 83 of Pretty Savage: Defy

“No.” He looks up at me. “It buys us time. Time for you to learn who your enemies are, for them to learn you aren’t easy to intimidate, and for us to find another way to keep you safe.”

I look at the word resting against my skin.

MINE.

A cage disguised as jewelry.

Except Carrson isn’t asking me to believe it. He’s asking me to let everyone else believe it long enough for him to protect me.

“You should’ve explained before putting it on me.”

“I should have.” He releases the pendant. “I saw you dressed like this and thought about all those people downstairs looking at you. Then I stopped thinking clearly. You have that effect on me.” He touches my cheek. “Constantly.”

A laugh fights against my frustration, but I refuse to let him get out of this so easily.

“I don’t like it.”

“I know.”

“I’m not agreeing that I belong to you.”

“I know that too.”

“After tonight, I decide when I wear it.”

His shoulders ease back to their normal position. “Agreed.”

I touch the necklace again.

“I’ll wear it tonight.”

Relief crosses his face, taking some of the heat out of my anger.

“Thank you.”

“This doesn’t mean you won.”

“I’m kneeling in front of you while you’re wearing a crown.” His smile returns. “I don’t think anyone who walks in here will be confused about which one of us is in charge.”

I snort and cup his cheek. “Stop being so charming.”

“I can’t.” He turns his face into my palm, his lips brushing the base of my thumb. “Not when it makes you smile.” His expression sobers. “I need to tell you something, but I don’t want you to worry.”

“That immediately makes me nervous.”

“Don’t be.” Carrson stands. He’s so tall I have to reach up to keep my hand near his face. “A group of Brothers wants to go to a strip club after the party. I haven’t been in over a year, and I have zero desire to go now, but every time I refuse they take it as proof that I don’t consider myself one of them. It’s becoming harder to lead Ashford House when they keep using it against me.”

My hand starts to fall from his face, but he catches it and presses it flat over his chest.

“I won’t touch anyone. I won’t accept a dance. I’ll stay long enough to remind them I’m still their Brother, then I’ll leave.”

His hand covers mine, keeping it over the steady beat of his heart.

“But that isn’t the part I need you to believe.” He waits until I’m looking directly at him. “There’s no woman they could put in front of me that would compete with you. Ever. You’re the one I belong to. The one I can’t wait to get back to. You, Tiger. No one else.”

Before I can respond, or figure out how to respond, Thomson sticks his head through the doorway.

“Your father wants you both downstairs now, Carrson.”