Chapter 21: A Fair Trade

I glared at Arthur, pissed and flustered. What the hell was wrong with this man? I didn't mean to eavesdrop. Did he have to act like I'd committed a felony? "I want you!" The words dropped from his mouth like they were nothing. Just three casual syllables that sent my brain short-circuiting. I stared at him, completely thrown, but he didn't look angry. In fact, the corners of his mouth curved into the kind of smile that could ruin a woman's life. The cold, distant expression he usually wore had melted into something dangerous and intoxicating. And I hated how I noticed. God help me, the man was stupid hot. That effortless confidence, that quiet, powerful presence... it was like gravity. But then his hand moved. Toward my chest. I snapped out of it fast. "Are you insane? Back off, or I swear I'll scream." I shoved at his chest, furious now. I may have been tipsy and emotionally wrecked, but I wasn't some girl he could toss around. Arthur didn't budge. His eyes narrowed, dark and sharp.