Page 20 of Collateral Claim

She screams and jumps away. Her left foot slips into a ditch, and Scarlett flails her arms, trying to regain her balance. I catch her forearms and pull her to me with enough force to plaster her body against mine. When she tries to get away, I press my palm against the small of her back and bring her even closer. I’m sure she feels my erection.

She struggles to get away, but I hold her firmly.

“Running away was a very stupid thing to do,” I say.

“I wasn’t running away.”

“No, the horse did all the running.”

Scarlett bangs my chest with her fists. Not hard. “Let me go.”

“Let you go? After the stunt you pulled, you’re lucky I don’t put a leash on you.” I release her. “What the fuck were you thinking, racing away on a horse like that? You could’ve fallen off and hurt yourself.”

Scarlett gives a bark of mock laughter. “Oh, please, as if you care.”

“Believe me, I care. You’re my collateral. A way for me to get my brother back. I need you alive and well.”

She sighs. “At least you’re being honest.”

“Yes, and since we’re being honest, let me also tell you that if you pull something like that again and try to get away on foot, car, airplane, or even a damn tricycle, I’ll chain you to my bed.” My bed? I meant to say my desk, but now that I’ve spoken my truth and can’t take it back, I’ll double down on it. “I’ll enjoy that.”

Scarlett tugs free and marches away.

I walk behind her. Since she’s walking toward the car, we’ll make great time. At this pace, my pilots will consider our arrival too early.

“I didn’t charter a plane,” I say.

“What?”

“You told that man that your fiancé chartered a plane. I didn’t.”

“You’re not my fiancé,” she says and, honest to God, sticks her tongue out at me over her shoulder.

Did I imagine that? Nah. “Do that again.”

“Do what?”

“Stick your tongue out at me.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Yes, you do. You stuck out your tongue.”

“Did not.”

I consider this flirting. “Did too.”

“Shut up, Endo.”

“Ah, fuck, baby, say my name again.”

Scarlett opens the car door for me. “After you.”

I slam the door shut again because I’m not done with her yet and the adrenaline of the chase hasn’t worn off.

Maybe the rush excites her too, because she steps right up to me and cranes her neck. I’m a head taller than her, so she’s looking up, her chestnut eyes bright with the glow of a caged wild spirit, her hair coming loose from the uptight bun she styled it in this morning.

When she opens her mouth, probably to flay me with words, I tuck a stray hair behind her ear.