Page 76 of Auctioned to the Devil

Sirens echo somewhere down the mountain.

I pull her against my chest.

“I’ve got you.”

Her arms lock around me.

“I know.”

Hours later, she’s sitting on my kitchen counter in one of my shirts while I wrap her wrist.

“You’re doing it too tight.”

“I’m not.”

“You are.”

“You complain too much.”

“You kidnapped my wrist.”

I look up. “Bad choice of words.”

She winces. “Sorry.”

I finish the wrap. “Better?”

“Yes.”

I start to step away.

Her knees close around my hips.

I stop.

“Emily.”

“No.”

My hands settle automatically on her thighs.

“No what?”

“No walking away.”

“I’m getting you water.”

“I don’t want water.”

“You need water.”

“I need you to talk to me.”

I exhale. “Not tonight.”

“Tonight.” She’s learned all my worst habits.

“Why did you do that?”