“You could be flirting with me and every other girl in or out of town. You say you’re waiting for your soul mate; that could be your pickup line for all I know ‘cause it worked on me.”

She dropped her eyes when she saw the hurt in his eyes, and then a blazing anger that had her jumping off the stool to back away from him.

“Don’t you dare try to run from me … ever.”

She froze in place at the threat in his voice.

“No matter how angry I get …” Matthew strode angrily toward her.

It was everything she could do not to run screaming at the top of her lungs. His friendly visage had been replaced with an extremely masculine one that had her trembling.

Reaching her, he wrapped his hand around the back of her neck. “I bought a fucking cow for you.”

“I know,” she said miserably.

“Shut up,” he ordered before continuing stonily. “Which serves no purpose on God’s sweet earth other than to eat and shit. There is no woman I would spend that kind of money on other than you. Ask me why, Alanna.”

“No.” She tried to shake her head, but his firm hand wouldn’t let her.

His face became stonier. “Ask me.”

She closed her eyes tightly, terrified, wanting to block the question out of her mind.

“I already know,” she barely whispered.

“Then tell me.”

“Because you think I’m your soul mate.”

Chapter 23

Chapter Twenty-Three

“But you don’t.”

She closed her eyes again, unable to maintain eye contact with him. “I’ve lost my perspective. I need to stay detached and not care about anyone. Especially you.”

“Why especially me?” The depths of his eyes searched her for a truth which was hard for her to admit.

“Because I don’t even know if I have a future to share with anyone until my court case is over. Besides, I don’t know what I’m feeling is …” She cut herself off and changed directions. “You’re a very physically attractive man who’s paying attention to me. It’s not like men are banging my door down. I like your family. I’ve always wanted to be part of a large family. You want ten children; did you forget telling me that? I can’t even give you one.” She gave one excuse after another to not have to explain how he was becoming the air she breathed.

“You’re innocent of the charges that have been brought about you. Diamond will prove that fact. The only reason men aren’t banging your door down is because men want a woman to light a fire in their balls, not freeze them off. I’m glad you like my family. I’d be more worried if you didn’t. My family and I are a package deal.” His furious expression began to lighten.