Page 64 of Wretched Lies

“Griffins must have good hearing,” I say. Reid had been in the air when I’d said that.

Reid nods towards my Jeep. “So do the Russians apparently.”

“I was just being careful. Ilya’s been following my every move,” I say with more meaning that he can appreciate right now. I want to tell Reid as much as I can, to hell with Ilya’s instructions, but I’d rather we were alone before I mention sex tapes.

“We’ll sweep everything,” Jake says. “If we swap vehicles, you can both head back to the cabins. We’ll follow when we’re done. The bird’s still in the sky if you hit trouble.”

“I think whatever point Ilya was making has been made,” I say with more hope than certainty.

“You still haven’t answered my question,” Reid says. “Have you finally seen sense?”

I offer an apologetic smile. “You can put your gun away. I’ll come quietly.”

I only realize what I’ve said and how it might be interpreted when Reid smirks. I don’t dare look at Jake.

“You’re such a child,” I mutter.

As Jake and his men start the transfer to my Jeep, Reid peppers my neck with kisses. “I think you’ll find I’m a big boy, so you can stop with the curiosity about other men’s dicks, especially that brain-dead Russian,” he murmurs. “I can fill every one of your pretty holes, Viper. If you ask nicely.”

I thump his arm to silence him as one of his guys hands Reid the keys to the SUV. Jake returns to us, carrying a metal case. I presume it’s the equipment he’ll need to sweep my car.

“We’ll see you later,” he says.

I try to wriggle free from Reid’s grasp. “Wait, I left my purse.”

“You can have it back when we’re done. We won’t belong,” Jake says. “And please return my vehicle with four tires this time.”

“Yeah, sorry about that,” I say.

Jake nods then heads for the Jeep.

Carrying me to the SUV, Reid resumes nuzzling my neck as he opens the passenger door.

“You can put me down now.”

He lifts his head. “But I don’t want to. Do you think you could sit on my lap while I drive?”

“No, I can’t.” I press my lips gently to his. “You don’t have to keep hold of me. I’m not going anywhere without you, Reid. Not for a while. Not if I can help it.”

Reid leans into the car and drops me onto the passenger seat. He pulls my seat belt across and locks it in place. His hand remains on the locking mechanism. “We might need to have words about what your idea of ‘a while’ is, because I would hate to give you the impression that you’re getting away from me again.”

“You’re very possessive for a man who barely knows me.”

He kisses my cheek. “Yet here we are.”

As Reid rounds the car, I wonder if he’d think the same if he knew how I’ve been selling my soul to Ilya one piece at a time. I want him to know. If I’m going to wrestle back some control from Ilya, I might need someone else to be my conscience because I’m not sure I’m as incorruptible as I thought I was.

“Are you OK?” Reid asks, noticing the tears filming my eyes as he slips behind the wheel.

“I’m just a bit overwhelmed right now.”

He takes my hand and kisses it. “Ready to talk?”

“Not yet.”

I turn slightly in my seat, tucking one leg under theother so I’m almost facing Reid as we set off. There’s a glow to his cheeks and a film of sweat on his skin that accentuates the chiseled contours of his face. And he has a beautiful face.

A ghost of a smile tugs at the corner of his mouth, but he keeps his eyes on the road. “I’m going to have to pull over and fuck you if you keep looking at me like that,” he says, his voice hoarse from the tension cording his neck.