My throat tightens. “I’m right here.”
“I know,” he says without looking away. “That’s the point.”
Saxon’s voice goes cool. “Cooper.”
Wyatt finally blinks. “The only thing he respects is ownership.”
My stomach flips.
Saxon’s brow lifts. “You’re going to say that again, slower.”
Wyatt’s mouth doesn’t soften. “A ring. A name. A claim he can’t challenge without looking like he’s threatening another man’s wife.”
Heat crawls up my neck even as fear presses on my ribs. “Excuse me?”
Wyatt turns his body toward me fully, like the rest of the room doesn’t exist. “You want him to stop?”
I swallow. “I want him to go away.”
“He won’t,” Wyatt says. “Not without consequences. Not without a line he can’t cross.”
Sadie steps forward, voice sharp. “Ellie, this isn’t about pride.”
My laugh comes out thin. “Everything is about pride in this town.”
Levi whistles. “She’s got you there.”
Sadie shoots him a look that could kill.
Wyatt’s gaze stays on mine. “This isn’t a real marriage. It’s strategic.”
My pulse spikes at the word marriage.
“Strategic,” I repeat, like saying it makes it less insane. “So you’re telling me the solution to my psycho ex is… you.”
Wyatt’s mouth tilts, almost a smirk. “I’m a pretty good solution.”
I stare at him. “You’re also Wade’s best friend.”
His eyes go darker. “And you’re still standing here.”
Saxon clears his throat, a warning sound. “Cooper. You’re crossing into personal.”
Wyatt doesn’t look away from me. “It’s always been personal.”
The air goes tight.
I feel everyone in the room stop breathing. Even Levi.
Saxon’s expression stays controlled, but his eyes sharpen. “That’s my point.”
Wyatt’s gaze finally flicks to Saxon. “You want him to keep circling her? Or you want him to see a ring and back off?”
Saxon holds Wyatt’s stare. “And you?”
Wyatt’s voice goes low. “I want him afraid to breathe near her.”
My stomach drops straight into heat.
