Page 53 of Collateral Claim

Endo’s dark eyes are brighter when he’s aroused. He puts me down. “Scarlett Pembroke,” he says as he hands me his phone. “Take my money.”

I’m glad he’s defusing the very confusing moment. The phone shows the transfer screen with the charity name as therecipient. “You really shouldn’t let me have free rein over your money. I’m inclined to make a generous donation.”

“I wouldn’t have given you the phone if I didn’t trust you to be fair.”

“I won’t be fair.”

“That’s what I’m hoping for.”

I bite my lip, considering the amount. The donations for our projects range from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands, but those large ones are rare. Actually, there have been two so far, and one of them was my dad’s. I think Endo can afford a hundred thousand, so I type it into the box, then give him back the phone.

Endo adds another zero and hits Send. Nonchalantly, as if he didn’t just donate a million to my favorite charity, he goes around me and opens the back of the car. “Get in.”

Money means very little to Endo. Or he has so much of it that a million isn’t too much. I’d bet on the former. He told me he’s in his dangerous business for the money, but I don’t think that’s true.

“I’m walking,” I remind him.

Endo chuckles. “No, luv, you’re not.”

He swipes his thumb over his bottom lip, then gives me a look that, for one reason or another, reminds me of a bull looking at a matador who is hiding a muleta behind his back. He moves toward me. By the time I realize what’s on his mind, Endo has hauled me over his shoulder and thrown me into the back of his car.

Chapter 23

I liked it

Scarlett

The following week

The bad news is, I kissed the enemy and liked it.

The good news is, said enemy has kept his distance ever since. It’s been over a week (Who’s counting? Not me.) and I haven’t seen him at the house or at the clinic. Both of which I’ve come to enjoy. At the house, I take care of the puppy and bathe in what I consider my own private spa, and at the clinic, I work.

Work has always brought me joy. I hate that the work I’m doing in the enemy territory can do that, and that I don’t hate it, but I can’t help but love my job.

People in this town are genuine, a rarity in my world back home, where we have to maintain social poise, which often requires aloofness. I didn’t even know I enjoyed this level of warmth from people until I started working here.

Most of them are interested in my relationship with Endo, but I don’t share any of my private affairs. I think that might get me killed, and I like being alive, thank you very much.

I’ve noticed his name evokes reverence around here, and when Declan drops me and the puppy off, he always stands by the door for about an hour. When I asked if he was guarding me, he said he was “just standing here.” I doubt that’s the case, but I’ve learned not to keep asking, because I’ll get nothing in return. Dec is loyal to Endo. Everyone I’ve met is.

They’re also generous people.

They give me flowers daily.

And chocolates.

And a week of free drinks at the local pub.

Yesterday, I reopened the clinic right after we closed and stitched up a boy whose father offered me a horse afterward. I admit I hesitated, but politely declined.

However, if someone offered me a car or an airline ticket to anywhere in the world besides here, I’d jump on it, but I doubt they’d do that. Judging by the month of August, which is booked with preschool screening appointments, the townspeople are convinced I’ll stay.

Even if I could tell them I’m moving overseas, I don’t think I would say that. There would be lots of broken hearts, mine included.

And it’s all Endo’s fault.

I’m trying not to think about Endo or his kiss or how he smells or how he manhandles me like he’s a caveman. I’m definitely not acknowledging that I think his caveman is oddly sexy.