Page 49 of Shades of Mercy

Great, Mr. Grumpy Pants has arrived.

She could barely contain her inner eye roll. She didn’t want to deal with him tonight, but she should have known better. He wouldn’t allow her space.

The hard knock came on the door.

“Go away, Jag.”

“Not happening. We’re going to talk about your little scene tonight.”

Angerzingedthrough her like electricity shooting down the line. Who did he think he was?

“Go away.”

“Open the door,” he demanded.

Frustrated, she whipped open the door and looked him square in the eye. “You always need things your way, don’t you?”

His gaze traveled over her, and his jaw tightened. “Where are your clothes?”

“Not on me. You demanded that I open the door, so here I am. If you can’t handle the heat, then get out of the bedroom.”

“I didn’t bring you here for you to star in a Hallmark romance movie,” he said bitterly.

“Excuse me?” She crossed her arms. “No one asked me if I wanted to be here in the first place. I might have to be here, but I don’t have to follow your rules. I haven’t done anything to put myself or anyone in danger. I was having a good time. It’s not my fault that you wouldn’t know a good time if it bit you in the ass.”

“You like to push my buttons, don’t you?”

“You wear your buttons so close to your sleeve.”

“You agreed that you’d listen to me while you’re here. It’s for everybody’s safety,” he said through pinched lips.

“Where in your rules did it say that I can’t be friends with the crew? You want me to cook for them but I’m not allowed to form a friendship? What is the logic in that?”

“Friendship? Is that what you call hanging all over Bones? I practically had to use soap and water to unglue you and Bones.”

Things were starting to clear up for her. “You’re jealous.”

He chuckled. “Why would I be jealous?”

“You tell me.”

“I’m just doing what Mateo asked me to do.”

“Oh? Did my brother ask you to monitor who I’m friends with?” Things were escalating, but she didn’t care.

“Getting involved with any of these men would only make things more complicated.”

“Complicated for who? You?”

He exhaled and shook his head. “Why can’t you just lay low and make things easier?”

“Why can't you just admit that you're jealous?”

“I would if I were. You’re just trying to turn this around, and it won’t happen.”

“I’m starting to get it. You don’t want me, but you don’t want anyone else to have me either.” She cocked a brow in challenge.

“Bullshit,” he said in a menacing tone.