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“I think we’re far enough away,” Corbin says as he hangs a right turn into a gravel parking lot. “I don’t give a fuck at all, darling. I never have and never will.”

I nod.

It bothers him. It secretly bothers him.

This is my power.

The power of a promise. The power of a ring, even if I’m not wearing it.

The power of having an upper middle-class life, no matter how processed and boring it is.

“Don’t move an inch,” Corbin orders me as he turns the truck off.

He slides out of his seat and walks around the front of the truck to my side and opens the door for me.

His hands are all over me, instantly.

Protection.

Part of me thinks he’s looking for a fight.

I can’t help but wonder…

Is he going to end up in jail tonight?

I’mon my second shot of whiskey.

Corbin is on his second beer.

We’re sitting at the end of the bar, tucked away against the wall.

There’s a blend of rock and country music that plays from a jukebox. Three TVs above the bar capture the attention of most of the patrons. Sports.

The place smells like a cheap dive bar.

If you dare order food you make sure it’s from the deep fryer to ensure that most of the bacteria is killed.

It’s a dirty, cheap date.

It’s fucking perfection.

The whiskey teases my head and warms up every nerve in my body.

“You’re like heaven in a hellish black dress, darling. I want to suck the honey off your cunt lips right here.”

“What’s stopping you?” I ask, leaning toward Corbin.

He grabs my mouth.

I gasp.

We’re in public…

He pulls me toward him and we share a quick but very dirty kiss.

“I’m not giving anyone a show but you,” he growls at me. “Fuck all these people around us right now, Katie. They’re lucky to be in your presence. Do you understand me?”

I swallow hard and nod.