Page 28 of Filthy Little Lies

“If you think I’ll ever get on my knees for you⁠—”

“I don’t think it, sweetheart; I know it. Now, say please.” I lower my voice, leaning against her ear. “Unless you want me to pull your jeans down and show you again how I treat bad girls?”

She sucks in a harsh breath.

“I hate you,” she grinds out from behind clenched teeth.

I bring my eyes in line with hers and whisper, “Hate me all you want, but remember the rules and what happens if you break them.” I pause a beat. “Now, say please so you can take your things and go on your way.”

Her nostrils flare. It’s fucking adorable. If it were physically possible, steam would be pouring out of her ears.

“Please.” Her lips barely move, but she manages to get the word out.

“What did she say?” Roman’s chair creaks as he leans toward us with a hand cupping his ear. “I didn’t hear her.”

I retreat a step and hand her the electronics. “You can work in here.”

“I’d rather go back upstairs. I can use the room I was in before.”

“So long as you understand that room is off limits at night.”

Flames burst in her eyes.

“There are a lot of rooms in this house, I’m sure you can spare an extra bed.”

I lift a shoulder. “Of course I can. I don’t want to.”

“I’m going out this afternoon, and I need a car since you ‘took care of mine.’” She switches topics so quickly, it takes a second for it to register.

“Where are you going?”

“Out.”

“Where is out?”

“Not here.”

Roman chuckles again. At least he has the decency to keep it low. I’m still going to throat punch him, but it’s good to know he has some level of respect for me.

“You’re already testing the rules. Maybe we should go over them again.” I make a point of resting my hand on my belt. Her gaze flies to the leather strap.

“I’m meeting up with Cassie. We’re going to go to the deli she likes for lunch, and then we’re going shopping because she has a job interview in St. Louis tomorrow afternoon and needs a new skirt.” She raises her brow. “We’ll probably grab a coffee afterwards, too. Would you like me to map out exactly what streets I’ll be taking?”

“Cassie’s the girl that was on the iPad yesterday?”

“Yes.”

“How does she know you’re still able to meet her today? She saw me break down your door.”

She lifts a shoulder, and then I realize there are more people in this house other than myself.

“Mrs. Neville let you use her phone, didn’t she?”

“I won’t let you yell at her.”

I jerk back.

“No one is going to yell at her.” No one yells at Mrs. Neville. Not even her own husband.