Page 66 of Bound in Ashes

When the truck was off, I turned to face her.

“Let’s try this again. What did he say to you?”

Asia’s hands were folded in her lap, still, prim.

Not Asia.

She turned to me, her eyes beseeching, her expression calm. “Jack, I already told you⁠—”

“Bullshit,” I growled.

She chuckled. “It was nothing. He was just being friendly.”

“Friendly.” I laughed, but there was no humor in it. “The way he looked at you wasn’t friendly.”

“He wasn’t⁠—”

“The way he touched your back in that house wasn’t friendly either. And you let him.”

Her breath caught. “I didn’t⁠—”

“You did.” I leaned across the seat until we were inches apart. “I watched you let him put his hands on you.”

“It was an accident, Jack. He was just⁠—”

“I don’t give a fuck what he thought he was doing. What. Did. He. Say?”

“He said…” She swallowed, sliding a glance toward me. “He said if I ever needed anything, I could come to him.”

I fucking knew it.

That piece of shit offered her protection and almost let her die.

“Anything, huh?” I repeated.

“Yes.”

“And what did you say?”

“Nothing. I didn’t—I was just being polite⁠—”

“Polite.” I laughed again, darker this time. “You were worried about being polite while I’m standing here thinking about all the ways I could kill him? While he almost let you die!”

“Jack, please⁠—”

“Please, what?” I leaned in, my lips brushing her ear. “Please pretend I didn’t see another man offer to give you anything? Please forget that he froze and nearly got you killed?”

“He was scared⁠—”

“I don’t care if he pissed himself.” I reached over and grabbed the back of her neck, gripping hard. “He put you in danger. Then had the balls to touch you. To look at you like⁠—”

I cut myself off, jaw clenching.

“Like what?” she whispered.

Instead of answering, I pulled her face to mine, crushing my mouth against hers.

It wasn’t a kiss.