Page 43 of Auctioned to the Devil

Caleb turns.

His expression softens just enough to make my pulse stumble.

“Bed.”

For once, I don’t argue.

I climb two stairs before glancing back.

He sets the rifle beside the couch, within easy reach, then checks the lock again.

Twice.

And as I crawl back into his bed, surrounded by the scent of a man who irritates me more every hour, one uncomfortable truth follows me beneath the blankets.

For the first time since arriving in Devil’s Peak, I don’t feel alone.

Chapter 6

Caleb

“This town is insane.” I say the next day as we drive through downtown.

“You’re living here now.”

“Maybe.”

I don’t like that maybe and I don’t want to think about why.

We stop at the general store for groceries and supplies to board up her windows. Half the town is apparently here too.

Emily walks beside me with a basket over her arm.

“Why is nobody talking to me?”

“They’ve been talking to you.”

“Women have.”

I grab a box of screws.

She glances around.

“Every man I make eye contact with suddenly finds something fascinating on a shelf.”

“Smart men.”

Her head turns.

“What did you do?”

“Nothing.”

“Caleb.”

I toss the screws into her basket.

“People think you’re with me.”