Page 53 of My Sweet Poison
He couldn’t keep me. I wouldn’t let him.
Greyson wrapped his powerful hands around my ankles and set them back on the bed. He then placed both of his hands on either side of my head and bent over me, caging me in with his body, his warmth seeping through my clothes.
When he spoke, the scent of smoky liquor on his breath wafted to me. “Listen carefully, little one. I did not drug you. If you hadn’t swilled my expensive Scotch like a sailor on shore leave, you wouldn’t be feeling the effects so keenly right now.”
My brow furrowed as I looked away from him and huffed. It took a lot to get me wasted. “Not true. I can hold my liquor.”
He captured my chin and turned me back to face him. He moved closer and for a second, I thought he was going to kiss me. For a second, I wanted him to.
“I didn’t say you couldn’t hold your liquor. I said you couldn’t hold mine.”
My eyes narrowed. “I’m glad I amuse you.”
He stroked my cheek. “Oh, my little bird. You do a great deal more than just amuse me.”
The air thinned as I stared at his mouth. He dragged his tongue across his upper lip, and I barely contained a whimper before my vision swam.
I wasn’t here to make out with a kidnapping psychopath.
Madison.
I had to remember I was here for Madison.
I fisted his shirt. “Madison. I have to help Madison.”
He loosened my hold and pulled a blanket over me. “Madison is safe with Pierce.”
“But if Jameson isn’t dead, we need to tell everyone. They need to know she didn’t…kill him. They’ll be hunting her down like a…like a…dog. That’s the word, like a dog. She…she…doesn’t…deserve that.” The words were coming slower, more labored.
He combed his fingers through my hair, smoothing it away from my face. “I’m afraid that’s not possible. No one can know.”
My brow furrowed. “That’s strange…no, that’s not the right word…it’s wild…no…crazy. That’s crazy! We have to tell what’s-his-name…numbnuts. And the media, we should alert the media. And... and... we need to...we need to...” My mind became fuzzy, my words jumbled together, loose and clumsy. My momentary burst of alertness and energy faded back into a drunken haze.
“Get some sleep,” he murmured.
I shook my head, fighting the effects of the warm bed, the Scotch, and Greyson’s soothing touch. “No. I can’t. I must save Madison. She’s not guilty. People need to know Jameson’s not dead. You have to help me tell them.”
“I’ve already told you that’s not possible.”
I forced myself upright, but my arms shook. Everything pitched sideways and I grabbed at his collar, but my fingers wouldn’t close and I fell back against the pillow.
Madison. I had to stay awake for Madison.
The thought was sharp and clear even as everything else went squiggly around the edges.
I pressed the heels of my hands against my eyelids and burrowed deeper into the covers, only half listening to him now as traitorous sleep crept over me. “Why?” I mumbled. “Please.”
Greyson leaned down and kissed my forehead before whispering, “Because I’m the one who helped Jameson fake his own death.”
CHAPTER 24
MADISON
My body had been saved, but my soul still careened over the cliff’s edge, smashing against the rocks on the way down.
It was the only explanation I could think of for why I was surrendering to the unholy embrace of Pierce Worthington. I should’ve hated his touch, his kiss, his invasion of me. But I didn’t. I wanted more.
This wasn’t making love. This was fucking. His body had taken possession of mine with all the savagery of a predator. There were no soft caresses or sweet words, just dominance. He had claimed me. Another trophy, won with cold-blooded detachment.
