Page 19 of Lethal Threat

But this isn’t a pretty reunion,I remind myself.

“I see the bruises and stitches.” I nod toward her arm. “How are you feeling?”

“Besides lost, a little dizzy now and then. Bruised up. But otherwise, I’m just ready to get out of here.”

“Let’s get going, then.”

She chews on her lip for a second. “Guess being engaged to you is my ticket to freedom.”

I force a grin. “I guess so.”

I can’t believe I’m lying about being engaged. Especially to a woman that would have rather set me on fire than talk to me, even a week ago.

It’s stupid of me, but I reach out and wrap a tendril of dark red hair around my fingers. “Being my fiancée could have its perks.”

“I didn’t believe it was true.”

I catch her hand. “Would it make you feel better if I asked again?”

Her lips part as her brows go up.

Emotion wells up inside of me until there’s no room for air. “Sierra, will you marry me?”

Those beautiful blue eyes widen until she smiles. “Am I supposed to sayyes?”

“That’s one of two replies.”

“If I say, no?”

I try to sound relaxed. “They might not let you leave with me.”

She hinges back and says, “Heavens, then my answer is a resounding,yes.”

I fight a tremor that runs down my arm as I press her hand to my sternum. “Thank you for that.”

“It was a joke.”

“Not in my book.” I squash the rampant desire to kiss her and let go of her hand.

Her eyes skate over me. Dropping down, across my chest, and lower to my legs. The little telltale flush ofher cheeks and little lick of her lips is all I need to see.

She’s still affected.

She jerks her gaze away.

Now, that is new.

Sierra used to eat me up with her eyes. I fucking loved it. But this shyness is different.

I hate that she’s not herself, but her tentative inspection feels like a total turn on.

Her blush darkens.

My pulse throbs.

The way the color brightens her fair skin is just plain sexy. I’ve seen the same flush five-hundred times. Sometimes when she’s aroused. Sometimes when she’s mad.

Her mouth opens. Closes. Opens again. A sheepish expression brightens her eyes. “I have to say, I can’t believe I'm engaged toyou.”