A Twisted Arrangement (Twisted Vows, #2)

by Jessa Wilder

Scarlet’s able to take care of herself,” he says, fingers tightening their grip. “Don’t you think I know that? That doesn’t mean she should have to,” I growl.

“Relax.” I grin at him. “It’s either drink or commit murder. You decide.”

Dressing her has been one of the small indulgences I’ve allowed myself. Spoiling my girl even before she’s mine.

“So, what are you saying? You’ve been waiting for her?” “Ten fucking years, Damon. Her time’s almost up.” “What’s that supposed to mean?” “That my Little Sparrow is about to be mine.”

Matthias Helios Everette isn’t ready for the woman I’ve become.

Death by toilet is one hell of a way to go.

“Please don’t tell me you’re stalking her.” Bash smirks like he already knows the answer. “I guess it depends on what qualifies as a stalking.” Bash huffs out a breath. “Yeah, I don’t think it’s that complicated. Probably one of those things where if you have to ask, you’re definitely doing it.”

I want whatever’s chasing me to catch up, to wrap me in their arms and force me to finally be still. To finally feel safe enough to not have to flee anymore.

I deserve better than some guy who only cares about me when he wants to. I want to be someone’s everything.

I may not want to go, but like hell I’m not going to look good while I’m there.

“I can’t fucking wait to tell Xander and Bash they have a new sister.”

“Do you think I’d do anything to hurt her?” I ask. “It doesn’t have to be intentional to hurt someone, asshole.”

Don’t fool yourselves—she’s not the one being strung along. I gave up any hope that I could live without her a long time ago.

“I do everything in my power to make my wife happy. You should consider doing the same.”

It’s like two sides of my soul are crashing into each other: the one screaming at me not to trust him and the other one begging me to give in.

At fifteen, he was able to capture all that I am. I can only imagine the damage I’ll let him do now.

“We’ll figure this out. No one’s coming near my sister.”

What the hell is wrong with me? Matthias is a sea of red flags, and I don’t have a boat.

“There hasn’t been a single day in the last ten years I haven’t wanted to be with you.”

“You are worth the wait. I’d have given you forever if you’d asked me to.”

“I want to believe you,” she whispers, and I tighten my grip. My fingers stroke her hair in slow, calming motions. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep showing you until you do.”

She deserves to be worshiped. I have no problem getting down on my knees at her altar.

“I don’t think you have any idea how devastatingly in love with you I am.

“I heard you finally convinced your wife to like you.” Bash slow claps. “All you had to do was drug her, kidnap her, and lock her in your house. Honestly, isn’t that a little pathetic?”

“You belong here, Scarlet. They’ll love you just as much as I do if you’ll let them.”

I can’t stop the laugh from busting out. Matthias Everette, Lord of the Order of Saints, is standing in the threshold, wearing a matching set of yellow flannel teddy bear pajamas.

There’s no bottom to the well of my love. I want to be here for you. You don’t have to do any of this alone. So pull everything you need from me. I won’t break.”