Ruthless Creatures by J.T. Geissinger

My mouth opens. For several moments, nothing comes
out. When I manage to compose myself, I say, “Why would
you trust me with something like that?”
“Because I want you to trust me.”
“Why?”
“Because I want you. And I suspect getting to have you
requires a certain level of trust. I can tell you’re not the type
who sleeps around. Next question.”
God, my heart is beating so, so fast. So fast, I can barely
breathe. Also, I think I might have whiplash.
I say, “Are you always this…”
“Direct? Yes.”
“I was going to say contradictory. Yesterday, it seemed like
you hated me. I’m still not sure you don’t.”
His voice drops. “Yesterday, you weren’t under my
protection. Now you are.”
His eyes are hypnotic. His voice is hypnotic. This man is
putting me under a spell. “I’m pretty sure I have no idea what
you’re talking about.”
“It doesn’t matter. What matters is that you believe you’re
safe with me.”
My laugh is faint. “Safe with you? God, no. I think I’m in
more danger around you than I have been with any other man
before in my life.”
Something about that pleases him. His lips curve, but he
shakes his head. “You know what I mean.”
“Check back with me later. My brain isn’t working right at
the moment.”
His tone gently chiding, he says, “I want a yes or a no.”
“Throwing my words back at me won’t help your cause.”
“Decide soon. We don’t have much time.”
“Why is that?”