Page 24 of Auctioned to the Devil

“They know too.”

“Know what?”

“That you’re not alone.”

She stares at me. Then understanding hits. “Oh, absolutely not.”

I almost smile.

She points at me. “No.”

“Didn’t say anything.”

“You’re suggesting we let everyone think we’re together.”

“Yep.”

“That’s insane.”

“It’ll work.”

“Based on what?”

“People around here leave what’s mine alone.”

Her lips part.

Fuck.

Wrong word.

Or maybe exactly the word I meant.

Her voice drops. “What’s yours?”

I take one step closer. She doesn’t move.

“For the purposes of keeping Sloan away from you?”

“Caleb.”

“You.”

The pulse at the base of her throat jumps.

I watch it.

She notices me watching.

“That’s exactly the kind of sentence you shouldn’t say to a woman you’re fake dating.”

“We’re fake dating now?”

“We’re fake nothing.”

“Then I’ve got nothing to worry about.”

“You’re impossible.”