Ugh.Did he really just invite me in so he can throw me out the door just as fast?
I voice the word I just read and instantly reply, “No?You didn’t even hear my plan.”
The annoying man shrugs, flips the card, so it now says, “Go.”
“You’re an asshole,” I grit.
He damn well bobs his head in agreement without a single outer visual of being offended and stalks to the door.Staying rooted in place, I think of a way to persuade him to help me.We’ve hit a massive roadblock with this case and I’m sure my plan will get the much-needed breakthrough to get evidence and put my father behind bars.
Ballard gives a short whistle, as if I’m a dog who needs to focus his attention to his boss.Asshole.On the other hand, the man does have a good excuse to use this method to get my attention since he can’t use his voice.
The man points at the door and holds up the “Go” card.
Ignoring his efforts to make me leave, I tell him, “It would be an official sting operation.Orson told me he’s worked with Stalwart Ridge Security lots of times.We can do this, I’m sure of it.”
He narrows his eyes and roughly jabs his hand into his pocket and pulls out his phone.He taps the screen and strides toward me as he holds up the phone.I glance at the screen to read what he typed and feel my face begin to flush as my eyes widen.
“What the hell,” I grit, and feel my anger rise.
The man shrugs as if he didn’t just type out how he wants a blow job in return for working together.
“Fake.Relationship,” I grit, just to be clear, and not thinking about the fact he’s trying to damn well blackmail me.
He taps the screen of his phone again and shows it to me.
I read the words out loud.“Fake with benefits.”
“Fake with benefits?That’s not...there’s no...what the...why?”I sputter and automatically take a step back.
He points at his neck and shrugs before he points at me then himself.
Filling in the blanks isn’t much of a stretch in his situation and it’s why I grit, “Don’t you have a list of women you can reach out to for a booty call?I mean, you’re using the phone just fine.”
I might be attracted to this man, though it doesn’t mean I’m ready to jump his damn cock.Not to mention, being intimate with someone is not something I’m ready for just yet.He’s waving the “No,” card again, which frustrates me even more.
“No?As in you don’t have a chick on speed dial?”Strangely enough this thought gives me a hint of relief.
He types something on his phone and turns the screen for me to read the words, “No, and no voice to sweet-talk a chick out of her panties.”
“Wow, how considerate,” I mutter and firm my voice to tell the egocentric horndog, “Not being able to talk might get you a pity fuck.”
A hoarse, breathy-sounding puff comes from him and his face twists with agony.
I release a deep breath.“You’ll get laid soon enough.Your nerves were damaged when the knife sliced your vocal cords.Only time will...”
My breath catches when he suddenly reaches out, roughly grabs my upper arm and drags me to the door.He grabs the handle while I press my boot against the door to keep the door shut.
“Okay, talking about your injury is a no-go, I get it.But stop thinking with your dick and being a huge asshole along with it.Be reasonable for one goddamned minute.Staying up here in and around your cabin is basically wasting your talent.I’ve read up on you, your background, your job, your capabilities.We can do this together, dammit.Let me show you the file, tell you everything I know, and if you still don’t want to work with me...”I tip my head back to look him dead in the eye.
My heart leaps inside my chest to be this close to this imposing man.The way he stares down at me with his dark eyes.His spicy scent teases my nose with each breath I take.He tips his head back and breaks our intense stare.
His reddish beard doesn’t cover the damage he suffered from Nolan’s attack.There are a few small scars, along with three long ones on his neck.Some more scars on both his forearms where he warded off the attack.The skin is still an angry red but the scars should fade over time.
Ballard moves and catches me staring at his scars.The way his eyes narrow, the corners of his mouth going down, the angry frown appearing on his forehead...it’s safe to say he’s about to throw my ass out the door.
Knowing I’m out of options I blurt, “Fine.I’ll give you a blow job, but only after we found a lead.”
Getting intimate with someone means starting somewhere.A blow job would mean Ballard is the one dropping his pants, not me.He won’t be able to see my scars, even his reaction just now shows he would understand.Though, I’m certainly not ready for him to see my scars.
