Page 142 of Brutal Vows

“Nothing.”

She swallows again. I think it’s a tell for when she’s emotional but trying not to show it.

I’m having none of that fucking nonsense. I grab her and drag her onto my lap.

She exhales and closes her eyes, muttering, “Here we go.”

“You’re bloody right, here we go! Kieran, shut your ears, mate!”

He gives me a thumbs-up and turns on the radio.

Holding Reyna, I give her a squeeze and a little jostle, growling, “Talk to me, viper. What the fuck is going on in that mind of yours? And don’t say ‘nothing’ again, or I’ll give you a spanking.”

Her eyes flare. She hisses, “Try it, Irish. I’m in the mood to spill some blood.”

Though I’m anxious about what’s eating her, I grin. “There’s my She-Devil. Now start talking.”

“What is this pathological need you have to discuss everything?”

“It’s called being an adult. Now quit hiding from me and spill your guts, woman.”

As stiff and prickly as a cactus in my arms, she glares at me. “I’m going to take you up on your offer to let me live in my own place.”

That stuns me. Hurt, I say, “Why?”

“I don’t owe you an explanation.”

Okay,nowI’m bloody angry. If she wants a fight, she’s getting one.

Through gritted teeth, I say, “Aye, viper. You do. I’m your bloody husband, remember?”

Her eyes could freeze me to an ice cube. She says flatly, “As if I could forget.”

“Don’t try me, woman.”

“Or what?”

I’m well aware that we could go back and forth like this all night, so I take matters into my own hands and kiss her.

She resists me at first, pushing against my chest and trying to get away. But I don’t let her. I hold her and kiss her until she’s pliant and shivering and my dick is screaming at me for release from my trousers.

“Now fucking talk,” I say against her mouth, breathing hard. “And give me the consideration of being honest.”

“Like you were honest with me about being in love with another woman?”

That feels like a slap across the face. “What the hell does that mean? Who am I supposed to be in love with?”

“Riley.”

From the front, Kieran lets out a low, astonished whistle.

Ignoring him, I demand, “How do you know about Riley?”

I realize that’s the wrong approach when all the fight drains out of her. Reyna swallows again and looks away. “Please let me go.”

“Goddammit, woman. You’re not going anywhere. Look at me.”

Of course she won’t, so I take her face in my hand and force her to. Looking into her eyes, I say deliberately, “I’m not in love with Riley.”