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“Before yesterday, you had never even kissed me, and you want me to believe you killed for me just because you like my company?”

He sits back and watches me with a teasing smirk. “I more than like your company, menace.”

“So, what now?”

“Now you let me make it up to you. The right way.”

“And when my brother gets out of rehab? What then? Will you still try to kill him?”

My question goes unanswered.

“You’ll do whatever I say?” I wonder aloud, toying with my fork.

Adonis’ focus on me doesn’t waver as he gives meanother heart-melting smile. “You have more power than you think, Delilah. Tell me what to do and I’ll do it.”

“I want you to stop tracking my phone.”

“Done. I haven’t checked your phone in over a week, anyway.”

My brow raises. That was too easy.

“What else?”

“I don’t know yet. Give me time to think.”

He nods. “Okay. But I have my own conditions if this is going to work.”

“What?”

“I was serious about wanting you to sleep in my bed every night. I want to be the one who takes you to your doctor’s appointments, and I want you to take the test for your G.E.D. You’ve been studying all summer, and your practice scores are high enough to pass. So why haven’t you taken it?”

“I need a laptop to sit for the virtual test. Phones aren’t allowed. I was saving for one before…this.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Why would I tell you when you were the reason I lost my job?”

Guilt clouds his features. “We’ll get a laptop when we leave here. What else do you need?”

“A gun.” When he shakes his head, I rush to add, “For protection.”

“Delilah, you don’t know how to use a gun.”

That hadn’t stopped me from using them.

So, I counter, “You could teach me.”

“No.” He leans forward, but only enough for me to catch a whiff of his scent and hear the deep timbre of his voice as he continues, “If you’re ever in a situation where you need a gun, just look at me and I’ll take care of it.”

“You can’t be everywhere I am.”

“You’ll see.” He relaxes against his seat. “I am your first line of defense. Always.

Keeping my face neutral, I concede.

“Fine. No gun.” I wipe the corners of my mouth. “But I want you to help me meet my mom.”

Chapter 36