Page 90 of A Forbidden Arrangement

Bash:

We can do this all night. Just give up.

Me:

FINE… Saturday, nine. Guards present. One night only. Only if she agrees.

Scarlet:

I knew you’d come around ;)

Chapter 40

Dahlia

“What’s this for?”The black Amex between my fingers feels like it’s going to burn me at any moment. Like it’s some kind of sentient being that’s going to call me out on being too poor to hold it. I flip it back and forth, watching the gold lettering catch the light.

A muscle ticks in Xander’s jaw. “With Elliot gone, I thought you might want to be able to leave the house.”

“Alone?” I ask, shock rippling through me. My brows pull together.

Wait, when did I accept being stuck here?

“With a security escort.” His tone is flat, leaving no room for argument.

I can’t say I hate this idea. After the last few months, I’ve been in danger more times than I can count. Still, the thought of a pack of men trailing behind me everywhere I go makes my skin crawl.

“How about just Marco?”

“Five men plus Marco.”

“Two men plus Marco.”

“Three men plus Marco.”

“Fine, but they have to stay hidden.”

His smirk spreads slowly, the kind that always makes me suspicious. He types something into his phone, thumb moving in quick, confident taps.

I narrow my eyes. “What’s with that face?”

“You’re softening to me, Dahlia.”

“No, I’m not.” It comes out too quick, too defensive. I sound like a five-year-old caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

He pockets the phone and looks entirely too pleased with himself. “Okay, let’s say that’s true and you’re not. I still managed to get you to agree to more security guards than I thought you would.”

My spine straightens before I even realize it. “Wait, what do you mean?”

He doesn’t answer. Just stands there, all calm and collected, eyes flicking over my face like he’s enjoying the show.

I plant my hands on my hips. “Are you saying you tricked me?”

“I’m saying you soften to me.” He reaches up and smooths the crease between my brows, his touch maddeningly gentle. “You may even be starting to like me.”

“Whatever.” I heave a breath and turn to the side, pretending I don’t feel my pulse pick up.

He hums, lips pressed together like he’s holding back a smile. I try to decide if I should smack him or kiss him.