Page 29 of Theirs to Tempt: The Marriage Claim

Screw you both.

I grab my purse and stand, but before I can turn away, Caleb clamps his hand on my wrist.

Frantically I try to pull away, but he doesn’t budge. His grip is firm but not quite painful.

Lucian drops his napkin on the tabletop. Tone unruffled, he says, “You’ll remember what happened last night in front of the hotel.”

I sigh.

Unless I’m willing to start screaming—which is a possibility—I’m stuck with them for the moment.

“I asked if you understood that our ring stays on your finger.”

Since the only thing I want is to get away as quickly as I can, I nod.

“Say the word.”

I grit my teeth. “Yes.”

The moment I agree, Caleb releases me and they both stand.

My hatred for them grows deeper every moment.

The drive back to my apartment stretches in charged silence.

Caleb’s thigh is pressed, solid and warm, against mine, while Lucian faces us from the opposite bench, knees spread, gaze locked on my face.

Their hated ring feels heavier on my finger.

At my building, Caleb opens the door and offers his hand.

I’ve already had enough of him, so ignoring the gesture, I step out.

Obviously uncaring that I don’t want them around, they flank me up the stairs, protective and threatening at the same time.

At my door, I fumble my key before managing to insert it and turning the lock.

I slip inside quickly, planning to shut them out.

Lucian wedges his foot between the door and jamb.

Then his low and commanding voice fills the narrow opening. “There are a few things you need to understand. Ms. Langford.”

Chapter Nine

Sophie

Hysteria slams against the base of my throat.

Frantic to dislodge him, I push with all my might, but the door doesn’t budge.

To his credit, he doesn’t laugh at my efforts.

“I understand you think you can run my life, install cameras in my office, and get me a driver I don’t want.”

Lucian’s midnight-blue eyes hold mine through the narrow opening, and the corner of his mouth lifts in that slow, appreciative curve I saw at dinner when he called me a brat.

My tummy flips over.