Page 56 of Ash and Poison

He snorted. “What? Handjobs?”

“That too, but I’m talking about murder. You’re new, and you make such a mess. Also… you’re delusional to think your alibi is airtight. You’ve been caught twice already.”

“That’s only because you’re a nosy busybody who doesn’t know when to back off, Sharma.”

I scoffed, crossing my arms. “No, Maddox, it’s because you’re reckless. You see… I can be your alibi. I can come and go without anyone batting an eye. I’ve got access, and Vincent’s trust whereas you don’t.”

“But you got caught too.”

I leaned in slightly, my voice lowering. “Yeah, but I’m still here, aren’t I?”

He nodded.

“You need me more than you realize.”

“Do I?” he asked.

I tilted my head and gave him my most innocent smile, fluttering my eyes. “Come on, no one would ever suspect this face belongs to a killer. Just look at me—how could I possibly be one? I’m too cute for that.”

Asher paused, his eyes narrowing as he studied me. “You’re fucking good,” he said, shaking his head. “You didn’t fool me once, though. Most people would have underestimated you, but not me.”

“Yeah fine, Ash, but nobody else suspects me. Especially not the handsome sheriff,” I said, rubbing my hands together. “He wants me.”

He growled. “He’s such a fucking moron. Did you sleep with him?”

That was a total turn of conversation, but he looked eager to find out.

“I don’t know why it’s relevant here?”

His eyes flashed, but he didn’t say anything. The silence stretched. I had a feeling he was going to say no, but then he nodded.

“Yes. Let’s call a truce. I’ll, you know, take your help.”

“That’s my good boy,” I said, tracing his stubble.

“Oh, but there’s one more thing.”

“What?” I narrowed my eyes. I could hear the cogs in his mind turning.

He was planning something else, and I had a feeling I wouldn’t like it.

“One handjob isn’t enough of a payment for saving your life, Sharma, no matter how good it was. You should know that.” His eyes gleamed, as he took a step toward me. Voice rough, he bunched my shirt up my hips and pulled me closer to him with a growl.

“I’ll use you, your mouth…” he pushed a finger between my lips. “And every inch of your body until I feel like the debt is completely paid.”

15

TRUCE

DIYA

What did he just tell me? It was such a roller-coaster, trying to decipher this man.

He was insane, and I loved it. I loved outsmarting him, I loved touching him.

I bit his finger hard, making him curse.

“Let me get this straight. You want me to be your fuck toy until you decide the debt’s been paid off?”